Gutters and downspouts are the water management workhorse of your home. They work in tandem with the roof, flashing and siding to whisk water away from your home, and if you notice a leak inside the home, the first thing to check is the gutter system.

Gutters also contribute to the exterior design of your home, so much care should go into the selection of new guttering so it looks as good as it works. Here’s a primer on what to consider when it’s time to for new gutters.

When To Replace Gutters

Indicators that it’s time for new gutters include signs of overflow or clogging during heavy rains, loose or damaged sections, or a deteriorating finish. Whenever you install a new roof or siding is the perfect time to replace gutters as well, because it ensures that your water management system is correctly aligned.

Choosing the Proper Gutter System

The conditions on and around your home will guide you to the proper gutter. The exterior design of your house and the surrounding neighborhood inform the materials and style that look appropriate, while the amount of trees around your home, and the size, shape and pitch of your roof dictate proper gutter size and protection. Desired level of maintenance and your budget are the final factors to narrowing down your options.

Gutter Shapes & Materials

Gutter shape and material is primarily an aesthetic and budget decision. But because these factors affect how they are attached, the structure of your roof and fascia will also play a role. Downspouts need to coordinate with the gutters so also factor into your decision.

Gutter & Downspout Sizes

Proper sizing is crucial for effectively moving water away from your home. Standard sizes are 5” gutters with 2×3” downspouts or 6” gutters with 3×4” downspouts. Correct size is determined by the height and slope of your roof, which affects the speed and amount of water run-off.

Gutter Guards & Protection

Gutter guards and filtering systems reduce both the frequency of gutter cleaning and the potential for water blockage and overflow. Because there are several forms of gutter protection, it is best to understand the types of trees around your home and the shape of your roof to determine which system will work best.

Gutter Installation

The perfect gutter system for your home will ultimately fail if it is installed wrong. There are so many links in the chain of proper water management that skimping on even one facet can lead to water damage down the road. It is very important to work with a company that is deeply knowledgeable and committed to installing it correctly.

Because there are so many considerations when it comes to replacing your gutters and downspouts, it’s a smart idea to work with a firm that understands every aspect of water management, from roof to gutters to moving the water away from your home. The Consultants at Mosby Building Arts will survey your home and its surroundings to guide you to the best gutter system, and the Mosby craftsmen will ensure that it’s done right the first time.

To learn more about gutter replacement and installation, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Time for a new roof?

When is it time for a new roof? New gutters? More insulation? You may think of them as individual home improvements, but they are really one system, one protection, one comfort… or can be one nightmare.

Did you know that the roof is a system that not only keeps the inside dry by deflecting water away from your house but it should also allow your house to “breathe?” The roofing system is only as good as its weakest link, and if it has any flaws, water seems to find it.

When thinking of a roof, most people visualize roof shingles. The Roof System is made up of many parts, and the finished roofing material comes in many shapes, sizes, colors and materials. Other parts of the roofing system are:

• Flashing
• Soffit, Fascia & Gutters
• Attic Ventilation
• Air Infiltration
• Insulation

Each component works together to protect your home… or not.

TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS

Asphalt Shingles Also known as composition shingles. Wide variety of styles, colors and textures an affordable price. Installation adapts to most roof configurations. Low maintenance. Can last 12-30 years, with shorter life expectancy in Greater St. Louis due to extreme weather conditions, and poor – or no – roof system design.

Wood Shake Has a natural look with lots of character and helps insulate the attic. Durability depends on proper installation (which can be complicated) and quality of wood used. Requires constant maintenance.

Slate Made of sliver-like rock. Colors are limited to those found in nature, but can be laid in a variety of patterns. Very expensive, but can last 100 years, is resistant to rot, insects and fire. It is a very heavy and fragile material so can complicate accessing the roof.

Clay Tile Natural clay is resilient and withstands harsh weather. Lends historic charm to a home. Costly, but can last up to 50 years, is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Installation and repairs of this heavy and fragile material can be tricky.

Metal Choices include steel, aluminum or copper, in a wide variety of styles and appearances. Reflects heat from the sun and good in high wind and wet areas. Costs more than asphalt shingles but can last up to 50 years with very little maintenance.

A ROOF IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS FLASHING

It takes more than a roof to keep the water out. At the intersection of planes and wherever opposing materials meet is where water will try to get in. Strips of a rust-resistant metal are formed into these areas to move water away from the roof. When flashing is applied the wrong way, it will actually help water invade the interior of your home.

Mosby Home Consultants keep a file of photos of bad flashing they have seen while driving around Metropolitan St. Louis. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to spot it from a moving car. It’s also cause for concern because bad flashing means water damage is in that homeowner’s future.

GUTTERS ARE PART OF THE ROOF SYSTEM

The duty of gutters is to move water away from your roof and onto the ground. Many foundation problems can be alleviated by diverting the water collected in the gutters away from the house.

At the roof level, gutter placement and maintenance is important. If the gutter is placed a little too high on the roof line, water and ice damming can damage the underlayment. If you allow the gutters to get clogged, the overflow water backs up, jumps the gutter trough and can rot both wood and aluminum soffit and fascia.

THE ATTIC IS THE INTERIOR OF YOUR ROOF

The flow and temperature of air in your attic has a direct impact on the performance and endurance of your roof. Improper ventilation causes the roof to overheat which then shortens the life span of roof shingles. When attic air flow is tampered with (by, for example, sealing intake vents) it reduces the effectiveness of your insulation.

A common problem we encounter during a Mosby Home Consultation is homeowners covering attic vents and air stacks in the winter to keep the attic warm, mistakenly believing a warm attic will keep the whole house warmer.

Covering the wind turbines, attic vents or any other air portal prevents moisture from escaping, which can cause wood rot, mold and other moisture-related problems. Improper attic ventilation will cause your HVAC system to work harder to heat or cool the house. The attic must maintain a delicate balance, and adequate air ventilation prevents condensation and moisture from accumulating.

Since the roof is one of the most important external elements of a house, it should not only be durable, but also have an aesthetic appeal. Schedule a Mosby Home Consultation for a full Roof System evaluation. Not only can we replace your roof, we can make sure the entire system is working correctly to give you maximum comfort and peace of mind.