GUTTERING SYSTEMS FOR YOUR RENTAL PROPERTIES
Gutters and drainpipes (guttering systems) are frequently overlooked purchases and/or maintenance items for homeowners. They’re very important in keeping snow and rain away from your foundation protecting your investment. Whether you choose to direct it away, or incorporate a rain capture system, start first with the basic safeguards.
Guttering systems and barriers can even help with invasive growths like moss. If you have a current system, you should inspect and clean them a couple of times a year. You want moisture directed away from your home at all costs.
If you are thinking about replacing your guttering system, or installing a new one, The Property Manager of Durango, Colorado would like to help you consider some of the options out there. Here are a few ideas.
Copper Gutters
Many people like the look of Copper Gutters and are becoming a popular choice. Besides the design element, they also offer function, as well as being cost-effective, they are well suited in wet or shady environments. Copper also is a moss inhibitor, so if you are in a location where you are seeing moss on your roof, home, or chimney, copper is a good choice.
When installed properly, the k-style copper gutters are more durable than half-round gutters, and yet are easier to install. The deeper trough allows the gutter to handle more water than the traditional galvanized half-round gutters, and they typically will hold up better in harsher climates.3
Galvanized Steel Gutters
The strongest of all the different metals tends to be Galvanized steel single bead gutters. The carbon steel dipped in molten zinc protects the steel from corroding due to the elements.
Types of installation can be either direct to the fascia board or suspended from a roof deck. The method of the install may be flat or slanted fascia, exposed rafter tails, crown molding, and other ways depending on your property’s needs. Different styles of profiles are available depending on the design style of your rental property.
Galvanized gutters can also be painted any color after allowing them to weather in the elements for a year, allowing the oils to release from the metal so that they can hold the paint.3
Environmentally friendly Gutters
Corrosion-resistant zinc and tin-coated copper gutters are strong and will help make your property stand out. These environmentally friendly gutters are coated with a tin-zinc alloy usually made from recycled materials. These have the same advantages as copper but found in a gray color, which will oxidize and patina into a more earthy gray tone in time.
Often used as an alternative to standard copper for those who do not like the greener oxidization common to copper.3
DOWNSPOUTS
Downspouts are the drainage pipes connected to your gutters to direct rainwater typically made of many materials.4 They will direct the water from the roof to the ground and away from your property’s foundation. You want to keep rainwater or melting snow from pooling near your building, causing damage to your investment.
MAINTENANCE
Moss Prevention
Your roof shingles can retain moisture allowing for the growth of moss. Rain and melting snow can wash the moss down into the gutter and drainpipe.
Some people are unaware that Copper and Zinc strips are natural enemies of moss, and can keep moss from crossing certain lines. Your installer will let you know of some strategic places to place these.5 Also available are environmentally friendly moss-killing solutions if you don’t want to replace your current gutters with copper or zinc.
GUTTER GUARDS
Clean your gutters twice a year and consider installing gutter guards6,7 which are highly effective in keeping a lot of debris out of your gutters, thereby lessening your maintenance.
The Property Manager wants to be the Management team to help you professionally manage or advise you on your residential or commercial rentals. We’ve been established here in Durango, Colorado for almost 35 years. Give us a call to set up a time to talk, (970) 259-0222 or you can also send an email to rentalinfo@rentdurango.com.
Footnotes:
1- https://www.guttersupply.com/p/gutters/galvanized-steel/half-round
2 – https://www.guttersupply.com/p/gutters/copper/k-style
3- https://www.guttersupply.com/p/gutters/freedom-gray-copper
4 – https://www.guttersupply.com/downspouts
5 – https://weatherguardgutters.com/how-to-stop-moss-from-blocking-your-gutters/
6 – https://www.raincontrolgutters.com/dealing-with-moss-in-your-gutters
7 – https://www.raincontrolgutters.com/what-are-gutter-guards-and-do-they-really-work
8 – https://getgutterprotection.com/fall-2021-form?
9 – https://www.homeinspectioninstitute.com/state-licensing.php?statecode=CO
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