In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on how your home's rain gutters play a major role in foundation and concrete quality. The prevention of moisture from seeping into various concrete and foundation areas on a given property is vital for maintaining the quality of those areas and avoiding sinking, settling or other related issues.
At Lift Right Concrete, we're happy to offer many concrete lifting and leveling services that relate to this theme, including areas like garage floor leveling that connect directly to home foundations. Part one of our series went over the connection between gutters and concrete surfaces, plus the options available for gutters and which are best for protecting these surfaces – today's part two will get a bit deeper and detail some specific gutter materials and accessories you can promote to improve the quality of several home areas, including not just draining and runoff but also the quality of your concrete below.
Gutter Materials
There are several different material types that are used for modern gutters, each with its own set of properties:
Aluminum: The most common and popular gutter material is aluminum, which holds several distinct benefits as a gutter type. It's resistant to rust, for one, which is very important for materials that face lots of moisture. They're also light and easy to install, plus available in a wide range of colors and styles to match your home's aesthetic.
Copper: Common in luxury homes and historic restorations, copper gutters require more skill for installation than most other options due to the fact that their pieces must be welded together. They do provide great protection, however.
Vinyl: Another affordable option is vinyl, which is also often more aesthetically pleasing than aluminum. It's also likely the easiest to install, with some handy homeowners even performing this task on a DIY basis.
Zinc: Like aluminum, zinc is also rust-resistant – but is also more durable. However, it only comes in matte gray, limiting your style choices.
Gutter Accessories
A few gutter accessories that will improve drainage and keep your foundation and other concrete areas free of moisture:
Guards: Hood or mesh screens that block leaves and other buildups from blocking the gutter, which will impact water runoff and often leads to foundation problems or leaking basements.
Brackets: Downspout brackets allow you to secure downspouts against the house, ensuring they do not blow out of alignment. These are particularly useful if you live in a windy area.
Cleaning tools: You should also have basic gutter cleaning tools on hand to clear up leaves and other debris.
For more on the connection between gutters and concrete quality, or to learn about any of our concrete repair services, speak to the staff at Lift Right Concrete today.
