INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
GUTTERS
SEEMLESS GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS
Count on your home's gutters to prevent foundation problems, prevent staining of masonry and siding and prevent damage to landscaping. Gutters may be the affordable seamless variety or made of more decorative copper. Seamless gutters come in many colors to match the design of your home. Screws are by far the most important element of the gutter system. Water weighs 8 lbs. per gallon and can easily pull the gutters away from the fascia if inadequate screws are used. Countrywide uses special ordered, double threaded screws to protect your home.
PREVENT FOUNDATION PROBLEMS
The expansion and contraction of the soil that surrounds your home is the number one reason for slab failure. After periods of rainy weather, the soil around the perimeter of your home expands as it becomes saturated with moisture. A dry, hot summer following the rain can cause the soil around your foundation to contract and pull away. As this cycle repeats, support to the foundation can be compromised leading to cracked masonry as well as sticking doors and windows. A properly designed and installed gutter system keeps the soil surrounding your home at a consistent moisture level by directing roof runoff safely away from the house.
Prevent Staining of Masonry and Siding
Rainwater cascading off an un-guttered roof will hit the ground with enough force to cause a splash-back. Within this splash-back are dirt, grass and minerals that end up on the exterior of your home. Over a short period of time, a stain appears that can be difficult to remove or hide.
Prevent Damage to Landscaping
Plants, flowers, mulch and soil located under the drip line of an un-guttered roof can suffer from the water runoff of a thunderstorm. Additionally, this runoff can result in an over-watering condition that could permit harmful fungus to develop as well as attract ants, roaches and termites.
EASY MAINTENANCE
Any type of gutter will require a watchful eye to ensure that they are doing their job. Gutters should be cleared of leaves and animal nests before the onset of winter. Test gutters with a hose to see if there are any obstructions in the downspouts. If you have recently replaced your home's roof, blow or sweep off all the loose grains of gravel that come off the shingles. These tiny pieces will collect in the gutter and can discolor copper gutters.
Copper Gutters
Copper is an expensive gutter material that is strong, durable, rust-resistant and nearly maintenance free. Copper gutters leave the realm of utility and enter the arena of architectural detail. Since it can stain from natural oils on the skin, and it will weather green unless you coat it with a clear sealant, it needs to be installed by a professional. Most copper gutter jobs are custom, allowing plenty of room for creativity. In the right hands, downspouts and catches have a sculptured look. With a quality installation, foot traffic passing a home will stop and take notice.
AVAILABLE IN COLORS AND STYLES TO COMPLIMENT YOUR HOME
Accentuate the architecture of your home by choosing between various styles and 26 colors of seamless gutters and downspouts. Countrywide Construction can assist you with the selection process.
