Gutters are very important accessories in any building. The gutter system drains rainwater, protecting the facility against flooding. When choosing the gutters, you should take into account, among others the size of the roof, its shape or the material from which it is made. Currently, you can buy plastic or metal gutters in stores. What is worth knowing about them?

In order to fulfill its role, the gutter system must be properly installed. Its effectiveness determines not only the condition of the facade, but also the condition of the ground around the house. Gutters are installed not only on the roof, but also on balconies and terraces. It is best if they harmonize with the color of the building walls, thanks to which they remain almost invisible. There are many different types of gutters on the market, which makes it difficult to choose the right product. What should I remember before making a purchase?

What should the gutter system be like?

A good gutter system is the basis for effective water drainage, which is why it is so important to get the right products. What features should an effective gutter system have? First of all, it should be durable, because the gutters will not only have to withstand high water pressure during downpours, but also snow and icicles. In addition, a good gutter system should be resistant to sun, temperature fluctuations, rust and mechanical damage.

Elements of the gutter system

The gutter system consists not only of gutters and downspouts, i.e. vertical pipes with a closed cross-section, which are mounted on the walls of buildings. The guttering also includes corners (internal and external), connectors, elbows, muffs and tees. Hooks and clamps are necessary for the assembly of the gutters. Sometimes the gutter systems can also be equipped with additional elements, such as chains or rainwater catchers.

Plastic gutters

Plastic gutters, also called PVC gutters, are very popular. What influences it? First of all, their attractive price, low weight and high smoothness, which in turn is related to extremely fast and effective water drainage. Due to the low roughness, less dirt collects on such gutters. What’s more, plastic gutters are produced in many shades, so you can easily match their color to the walls of the building.

Metal gutters

Metal gutters are an alternative to plastic gutters. They are very durable, also resistant to mechanical damage, and resistant to temperature changes. Metal gutters are environmentally friendly products – they often even have special certificates. Another advantage of this type of gutters is their long service life. However, the disadvantage of metal gutters is their susceptibility to corrosion and quite a lot of weight. Sometimes it may be necessary to replace some part of the gutter system.

Choosing the right gutter system is not easy. It’s worth considering your purchase carefully before making a final decision. Plastic gutters are certainly the cheapest solution, they effectively protect the house against flooding, but they can also lose their color over the years and look unsightly. Metal gutters are very durable products, resistant to weather conditions and characterized by a long service life, but they can also corrode, and their installation requires specialist knowledge and should be performed by professionals. It is worth considering all the advantages and disadvantages of both types of gutters in order to finally decide on the product that best meets your expectations and visually matches the architecture of the building.