FAQ
Lets start with the obvious.
Why should I install raingutters on my property?
To direct the flow of roof rainwater run-off away from the buildings foundation. To protect exterior surface's (stucco, paint and doors) from premature deterioration. To keep exterior moisture entering interior walls from creating mold and mildew. To keep the darn rain from falling on your head...
What harm does rain water cause to my foundation
Rainwater saturation of the soil under any property can cause the foundation concrete to settle over time........ This could cause your building to sink which may lead to other very expensive problems like cracking around doors and windows or, your house sliding down the hill.
Do I need to re-roof before I install new raingutters? Not necessarily. This all depends on your roofs current condition. If you are planning to re-roof soon then that is definitely the best time to consider installing new gutters.
If your roof is new or has a reasonable period of life left to it then of course you do not need a new roof for new raingutters to work correctly.
I have old rusty steel raingutters right now. Can these be repaired or should I have them replaced? Rust is a metal disease. Once it gets into the different layers of the steel it cannot be stopped. If the rust is only on the surface and is not too deeply imbedded, sections of the gutter can be replaced by wire brushing the rust away and exposing the clean raw metal for connection to the new material. However, sealing these seams (using poly urethane silicone) may last for only a short time due to the fact that you are sealing a new clean surface to an old one (dirt). Depending on the amount of linear footage (size of job) it is many times more cost effective to replace the drainage system with new aluminum than replacing galvanized in sections then paying the additional costs to have them painted.
Should I have my property painted before the installation of new raingutters? This depends on the condition of the existing paint. Typically you need to only have the surfaces (fascia, open rafters, trim etc.) where the new raingutters are to be installed painted or sealed before new installation. This is not for cosmetics. You do not need to paint the whole house, just the areas that the new raingutters will cover. You should remove the old raingutters first (if any) and check the paint surface for defects and if necessary prime and/or paint these areas to protect the wood or stucco from moisture. Please understand, your new raingutters will cover these areas for up to 50 years and you will not have the opportunity to paint them again as long as they are up.
Read more gutter tech stuff at our new Flashing 101 destination site. it's open but currently under construction so watch where you step.
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