What are rain gutters made of? Today, rain gutters are made up of a variety of materials such as zinc, lead, iron, painted steel, steel, and copper, etc.
Do you think your rain gutter is not that capacious? You can increase its capacity by simply adding more downspouts. Downspouts are generally made from the same material as the gutter, which gives a uniform look to the entire system.
Do you know that rain gutters were once made up of wood? However, since wood is a good absorber of water, the rain gutters damaged quickly.
Proper installation of gutters is extremely important. It not only preserves the structure against moisture but also prevents water pooling in the system where it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects that can cause disease.
Did you know rain gutters were once installed on vehicles to prevent rain from falling on drivers' heads when they left the car? They were phased out in the 1980s to improve aerodynamics.
Rain gutters need regular maintenance. Also, make sure to have them cleaned after heavy rain and the wind otherwise it will clog leading to drainage issues.
The first gutters were created by ancient civilizations in 3.000 B.C. Between 3000 and 1500 BC, the Harappan civilization started to drain water from one location to another using a system made out of stone, brick, and wood.
If the standing rainwater in your gutter is frozen due to cold weather, it could create a permanent gap in the rain gutter. This will lead to water leakage, damaging your home walls.
The archeological evidence reveal that Ancient Romans and Greeks used gargoyles as their rain gutters. These would be fixed to the end of a drainage pipe that diverts the water away from the buildings.
Gutters need regular maintenance to protect them from damage and corrosion. Any leaks in the gutter should be sealed., the slant of the gutter should be maintained and other parts such as downspouts, elbows, and drain pipes, should be unclogged.
In order to keep debris out, use guards and screens that can be added to your gutters. It reduces or eliminates clogging problem thereby extending the life of your gutters.
Adding and maintaining gutters will be one of the wisest decisions you can make for your home, given its several benefits. However, all those benefits go away if you don’t keep your gutters clean.
If the gutter is not maintained regularly, it may lead to several issues. Sometimes the water standing in the gutter needs to be drained and sometimes gutters are broken and then leak. This calls for necessary repairs.