Yearly Archives: 2022

That’s not all a professional gutter installation will do for your home!  Gutters complete the look between the roof and the siding, and with the different colors and styles, you can match them to any architectural style. 

What are the different gutter styles?

There are three primary styles of gutters, each available in an assortment of materials including aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, and vinyl. The following is a description of the pros, cons, and the main gutter installation used for each of the three styles: 

K-STYLE GUTTER INSTALLATION

The most common type of gutter installation on modern houses. The front edge features a unique front edge shape that resembles crown molding and compliments any style of home. The backside is flat and installed flush to the Fascia around the top edge, to ensure that water doesn’t run down the wall. 

The Pros

• Cheapest gutter installation option available
• Easiest gutter installation
• More durable and rigid than the Half-Round style 
• High performance during heavy rains
• A modern look

The Cons

• Clogs easy
• Corrodes easily 

HALF-ROUND GUTTER INSTALLATION

Commonly used on historic, older homes that the rustic appearance in copper material accents the architect. The half-circular style is open for the flow of rainwater. Installed with brackets along the roof edge then secured. The half-circular shape provides a smooth interior that is less likely to corrode or rust, and no creases keep the clogs to a minimum. 

The Pros

• Gives a rustic appearance
• Easy to clean
• Less likely to corrode or rust
• Less clogging

The Cons

• More expensive gutter installation
• Gutter installation takes longer to install
• Doesn’t handle water flow as well 
• Less durable and rigid, becomes damaged easily
• Heavier and pulls loose

BOX STYLE GUTTER INSTALLATION

This is the third most popular choice in gutter installations and is used more on commercial structures due to the oversize shape. They have a high back section that is tucked under the shingles and is typically installed during the construction of the structure. 

Does gutter color matter?

Experts in architecture, exterior design, and real estate recommend choosing a gutter color with the downspouts in mind.  The downspouts are what will be against the exterior of the house and at eye level. For the downspouts to blend in, choose a color that matches your home’s exterior color. 

So, should gutters match the roof or house? 

The same experts recommend your gutter installation color should match either the roof or the trim so that it blends in with the exterior of the house. However, if you’re going to go with copper gutter installation, then the color choices are mute! The copper will patina over time, so you should make sure that will match or blend with the exterior. 

What are the different colors for gutters?

The old, galvanized gutter installation where the gutter runs had seams that aren’t as popular anymore. Today, homeowners are choosing seamless aluminum gutter installation or copper gutter installation has taken the industry to a new level, and they come in a variety of colors including beige, brown, dark blue, gray, green, and red.

As we mentioned above, you want to choose the color of your gutter installation so that they become a part of the roofline in either contrasting or matching with the roof color and yet allowing the downspout to blend with the exterior of your home. 

Should gutters match the fascia and soffit?

The ideal scenario is for the gutter installation to be a subtle part of the siding in a seamless fashion. Some homeowners choose their gutters to match the fascia or trim and others choose to match the siding. There isn’t a right or wrong, but if you ever sell your home, you don’t want it to mismatch so that it stands out in a bad way.

Do aluminum gutters come in different colors?

Yes! And this usually comes as a surprise to most homeowners.  Aluminum seamless gutter installation is available in approximately 20 different colors. Royal Brown is a common choice as is White, but you can also choose Grecian Green, Pearl Gray, Musket Brown, or Blue. By adding color with an aluminum gutter installation, you can give your home a unique look! 

Do colored gutters cost more?

It will depend on the material you choose and what colors are available. If there is an upcharge, it is typically a very minimal charge. 

Why, what are the advantages of metal roofing that has made them so popular? A metal roof installation of today won’t look anything like the old barns. There are several benefits to a metal roof for homeowners to appreciate: 

• Lifespan: A metal roof installation could be the last one you’ll ever need! Compare to an asphalt roof life expectancy to is maximum of 20 to 25 years, a metal roof will last up to 70 years! Depending on the type of metal, they have been known to last 100 years. 
• Durable: A metal roof installation correctly done will take winds up to 140 miles per hour. Metal roofing won’t corrode, crack, and a good quality metal can be impact resistant. Maintenance on a metal roof isn’t required like with asphalt or tile roofing. Periodic professional roof inspection is recommended to make sure fasteners are tight. 
• Safety. With a metal roof installation, your home is safe from sparks and igniting into flames from lightning and wildfires, a big plus here in Georgia. 
• Energy Efficient: A metal roof installation reflects the suns UV that contributes to radiant heat on a roof surface. This can reduce your cool cost up to 25%! 
• Environmental:  As much as 95% of the materials for a metal roof installation will be recycled content and is 100% recyclable when it is removed. An asphalt shingle roof adds to the 20 billion pounds in landfills when torn off. 

So, are metal roofs good for hot climates?

Absolutely!  When we think of metal and the hot sun, we think HOT! But the truth is, metal roof installation will keep your home cooler in three ways: 

• First: Choosing a light-colored metal will reflect the radiant heat. Or if you choose a dark-colored metal roof installation, there are special pigments added to the color that will reflect the radiant heat. 
• Second: A metal roof installation cools down quickly as the sun sets. Asphalt shingles and other roofing materials retain the heat throughout the night.
• Third: A metal roof installation that has the appearance of shakes, shingles, or tile have an integral airspace between the roof decking and the metal roofing material. This creates an airspace that becomes a thermal break and stops any conductive heat transfer.

What are the disadvantages of metal roofing?

Like anything, where there are advantages, there are disadvantages too. A metal roof installation isn’t any different. The disadvantages include: 

• Cost:  A metal roof installation is up to three times more the cost than an asphalt shingle roof installation. If you’re considering metal roof on your forever home, it is a great investment.  For short-term housing, you won’t see the financial benefits.
• Noisiness. “Are metal roofs noisy?” is always a major concern, and yes, during a hard rainstorm and hailstorms, if proper decking isn’t used when installed, it is louder than an asphalt shingle roof. Additional insulation in the attic can minimize the sound. 
• Contracting, Expanding, and Fasteners. Metal roof installations are done with large metal panels that contract and expand with the temperature. The fasteners, the neoprene washers, and the screws used degrade overtime and become dislodged. This is the purpose of the recommended annual inspection so they can be found and replaced before any leaking issues are started.
• Inconsistent Color Match. If a metal roof needs repair, matching the exact color used in the metal roof installation can be difficult. The entire roof can be repainted to create a cohesive color match.
• Performance. If the metal roof installation is done poorly, water can accumulate on the roof and begin to rust.  So, will my metal roof rust? Yes, if the metal you choose for your metal roof installation isn’t properly coated a protective layer, it can rust. Choosing to skip that additional expense will allow the metal roof to oxidize and form rust.

How do you treat rust on a metal roof?

With a wire brush, scrub the rusted areas then use an 80-grit wet/dry sandpaper and go over the area. Next, apply a rust inhibitor over the affected area with rust inhibitor. After that, you may choose to paint the entire roof. 

What metal roof is best?

There are two types of metal roofing systems – Standing Seam and Screw Down Panels. Both metal roof systems have a place in the roofing arena, but for residential structures, standing seam is the most recommended. The panels lock together at the seams or can be mechanically fastened. Under each seam is a fastener that allows the panels to flex with the temperature changes. The screw down panel system has no room for contracting and expanding.

What can damage a metal roof?

Other than a tree falling on a metal roof, the other possible damaging factor would be hailstones. A metal roof installation will typically deflect most hail, but the velocity and angle the hailstones hit could cause cosmetic damage. 

What’s the difference between seamless gutters and regular gutters?

 There are two types of gutters to choose from today: Seamless Gutters and Regular Gutters. What is the difference between seamless gutter vs regular gutters? Both serve the same purpose, both are installed on the fascia of your home. The difference is how they are manufactured and how they are installed. 

• Regular gutters are what most homes still have today. They come in sections and are snapped or fastened together, creating seams. 
• Seamless gutters are the newest innovation for a home’s exterior. They are just as the name says, seamless. They are manufactured on the job site from a truck-mounted machine that rolls off a continuous strip of metal. As it comes off the truck the contractor staff fastens it to the fascia. 

Whether one is better than the other is a personal opinion. The regular gutter style is less expensive than the seamless gutter style, so where budget is a concern, the regular gutters are your better choice. The seamless gutters do not have the joints and seams that the regular gutters have, which makes them stronger. Without joints and seams, they hold up longer than the traditional gutters that are known to be weak at the joints, and are prone to leaks. 

How are seamless gutters connected?

Seamless gutters are unlike regular gutters that come in sections, and one downside to that is if there is a malfunction or problem with seamless gutters, you can’t just replace the one section. The entire gutter system has to be removed and replaced. This means when they are installed, it must be done accurately and correctly.  The following is the process for installing seamless gutters: 

• On your scheduled appointment day, the contractor will arrive with either a portable machine or truck-mounted machine with the materials needed to make your seamless gutter system. 
• They will have already taken the measurements, but most will measure again, and the manufacturer your seamless gutters right there on the spot. The measurement and placement of your gutters are all based on the size and slope of your roof’s pitch. 
• Gutters are made in meters today and your seam gutters will be many meters long without any joints up until they connect with the downspout. Seamless gutters will have joints to turn corners or if the angle varies. 
• The seamless gutters are attached to the fascia with brackets and straps. Almost identical as fastening regular gutters, but without leaving any space between the gutter and the roof’s edge.
• The same mechanism is used to connect the seamless gutters to curves and the downspouts as with regular gutters. The ends are secured with nails, screws, and gutter sealant.

How do Seamless gutters make corners?

Seamless gutter corners are made the same way regular gutter corners. The contractor will make two pieces, an inside corner piece, and an outside corner piece. Both are cut at 45-degree angles and then pieced together to create the corner. The inside seams are sealed with a gutter sealant. 

Are downspouts seamless?

Regular or seamless gutters are only as good as the installation job and the downspouts installed with them. In either style, a downspout is a larger diameter gutter run installed vertically and connected to the gutter run. Then a curved or elbow piece is placed at the end that redirects the water as it comes through the gutter run. 

Do you need a seamless gutter with a guard?

No, you don’t have to have gutter guards with your seamless gutters, but why wouldn’t you? Gutter guards on regular gutters or seamless gutters will less the need for cleaning the gutters. And with seamless gutter guards being made at the same time as your seamless gutters, they’ll fit perfectly as they are custom made too. 

Are the seamless gutter and roofing installed together? 

No, in most cases, regular gutters or seamless gutters will be installed after the roofing job is complete. In some cases, if the gutters are damaged beyond repair, seamless gutters can be installed first if the roof isn’t going to be replaced in the near future. 

Types of Roof Flashing

First and foremost, there isn’t just ‘roof flashing’ to think about; there are different types of roof flashing that your home should have, including the following: 

CHIMNEY AND COUNTER ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION

Chimney and counter roof flashing installation is put on brick or masonry walls above the roof. This roof flashing redirects water to flow away, preventing leaks. They overlap to keep the water from getting behind and under the top flashing layer and working its way into the house. 

STEP ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION

Step roof flashing installation’s purpose is to keep water from penetrating the walls. Step roof flashing will shed water; it is a pre-painted metal that extends a minimum of two inches, directing the water to the gutter run. Step flashing is used with counter flashing to protect areas that the counter flashing doesn’t.

APRON OR HEADWALL ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION

Apron or headwall roof flashing is installed along the intersection of vertical walls to guide water away and prevent it from running down the wall and onto the roofing system. Apron or headwall flashing is typically installed behind siding or in conjunction with counter flashing where brick is present. It is important that a roofing contractor installing a metal roof knows how to install roof flashing against a wall to prevent future leaks. 

VALLEY ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION 

Valley roof flashing installation is where the roof system has changes in angles. An ice shield is installed along the center of the valley to give the roof more protection from ice and snow. It also prevents water from draining along the row of shingles and redirects it to the gutters. 

GUTTER APRON ROOF FLASHING INSTALLATION 

Gutter apron roof flashing installation is placed along the line of the gutter where the gutter and roof meet, where there is a gap between the fascia trim board and roof decking. The gutter apron roof flashing has a drip edge to prevent water from draining onto other components. This roof flashing directs water to the gutters and protects the attic from animals, insects, and the weather. 

Is roof flashing required by code?

Yes, according to building codes R903-2 Flashing and R903.2. For locations in Canton, Georgia, roof flashing installation is required to provide moisture prevention in walls through intersections, joints, permeable materials, and other penetrations of the roof plane. Roof flashing installation is required where the roof and walls intersect, the roof slope direction changes, and along roof openings. Roof flashing installation will divert water away from the eaves and vertical sidewall intersections. It should be constructed of a metal that is non-corroding and no thinner than 0.5 mm.

What is the best roof flashing material?

Whether you’re getting your roof repaired from the storms that come through Georgia, or a new roof installed, there are a few different types of roof flashing installation. It can be important to choose the right material that gets the job done as well as fits your budget. The more common materials for roof flashing installation are: 

• Aluminum: The most popular of all roof flashing installation materials because of the affordable pricing and durability.
• Copper: The most expensive material option for roof flashing installation, it is also the strongest and provides a pop of eye catching curb appeal. 
•  Membrane: For a drastic and different look compared to metal options, this material comes on a roll and can be used on areas other than the roof, like windows. It’s also a cost-effective option for protection against the elements. 

How do you install flashing on an existing roof?

A roofing contractor experienced in metal roofing will know how to install flashing on a metal roof the proper way, but just in case you’re feeling handy and want to tackle your own roof flashing installation, you can review online videos on how to seal roof flashing and then follow these steps: 

• The Rake Trim

Along the roofline is where the rake trim is installed. This is where the gable and roof line meet, and the end should be cut in an angle then folded to fit and meet the eave and end wall.

Butyl tape is needed on the underside of the nailed flange to provide a seal to keep moisture from intruding where the end panel and the trim meet. Using fasteners, you can align the new cut, angled, and folded trim to the roof line, spacing them no more than 24 inches apart.

• The Eave Trim

This roof trim keeps water away from the roof fascia, redirecting it to the ground. An underlayment should be installed first, then cut and folded, fitting the fascia and gable with a minimal angling. The screws used for eave trim roof flashing installation should be no more than 24 inches apart.

• The High Side Peak Trim

The roof flashing installation along at the high point prevents moisture from intruding under the sloping panels. This is installed by applying butyl tape as a sealant along the top of the panels. Next, along the outside closure above the tape, apply tube sealant. This peak trim should be cut at an angle and folded to fit at the closure top and the end rake trim. After the trim is in place, fasteners should be applied along the top.