Function

• Gutters are wood or metal troughs built into the roof or attached to the eaves to collect rain water and channel it away from the home. Gutters are set on a slight angle to propel water in one direction, towards attached downspouts that divert water down to the ground. Properly installed gutter systems protect the home's roof, fascia, siding and foundation from water damage, prevent basement flooding and limit landscape erosion.
  
  

Types

• Gutters come in two basic shapes: the K-Style, which is an open rectangle, and the half round style. K-style gutters are flat on one side and are made to be nailed directly into the fascia board. According to Gutter Supply (see Resources below), 80 percent of U.S. homes have K-style gutters.
  
  Half-round gutters come with a curled top outer edge (single bead) or both outer edges curled (double bead). Half-round gutters are typically fitted with a hanger bracket across the top and a threaded rod that bends to the angle of the roof and is nailed in place underneath the shingles.
  
  Both K-style and half-round gutters have a variety of bracket options, with styles that fit underneath or inside, in simple designs or decorative ones that match the style of the home. Gutters are available in a variety of colors and finishes, and are made of a range of materials that includes aluminum, copper, lead-coated copper, vinyl, wood, painted steel, galvanized steel, and galvanized aluminum. Gutters can be bought in different widths to accommodate varying volume needs.
  
  Gutters can be brought to the house in precut lengths that are then attached to the house and joined at the seams with special connectors and sealant. They can also be constructed on-site, made seamless to fit the measurements of that particular home. SeamlessGutters.com notes that 75 percent of homes in the U.S. are fitted with the seamless style of gutter (see Resources below).
  
  Specially designed new and historical homes with ornate historical details and architectural lines that need to be preserved can be fitted with built-in gutters (see Resources below). These long channels can be built into the eaves and hidden completely or worked into the roof line, invisible from the ground below.
  
  

Effects

• Gutter systems can blend into or enhance the style of a home. Gutters are often chosen to match the trim color of the house, with K-style gutters designed to mimic colonial style crown molding. Half round gutters in copper or steel blend well with older homes and work best with rounded roof lines. Copper or lead gutter medallions and ornate downspouts can add architectural interest to the exterior of the home and work with the home's other design details.
  
  Gutters have a practical as well as aesthetic design, and these channels work together as a system that controls the flow of rain water from the roof down to the ground below. Gutters add longevity to both the home's exterior and interior by preventing saturation, rotting and other water damage. Gutters and the adjoining downspout systems are also set up to direct water away from the surrounding landscape, protecting gardens from erosion and flooding near the foundation.
  
  

Considerations

• Choose gutters based on a combination of cost and durability, as well as the right design and aesthetics for your home. Large roofs and those with steep pitches require gutters with larger widths to accommodate the volume and speed of the water. Half round gutters need to be an inch wider to hold the same amount of water as a K-style gutter.
  
  Wood gutters work well with older homes and with proper maintenance can last from 50 to 100 years, depending on the type of wood used. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent damage to the gutters and the home, so only choose this material if you are prepared for the upkeep. Wood and copper are also more expensive than other metal or vinyl options.
  
  K-style gutters have one flat side and should never be used on protruding roofs where a suspended gutter design is necessary. Most K-style gutter systems are nailed directly to the fascia board, but over time the expanding and contracting of the gutters can cause the nails to pull free. Bracket hanger styles that nail to the roof allow for gutter expansion and will last longer without repairs.
  
  

Warning

• Improperly installed gutters can lead to expensive damage to your home and foundation. When working with a professional contractor, ask for specifics on how the gutter systems will be installed and how the drainage issues are being addressed. If he can't answer your questions in solid detail, find another contractor who can. This is especially important for built-in gutter systems. Built-in gutters must be extensively lined and sealed using quality products. Any leaks in this gutter system will cause extensive water damage to the interior of the home.
  
  Maintain gutters with periodic clearing of debris to avoid blockages and overflow. Consider gutter covers or screens to keep out leaves and animals. Also check seals on connections and downspouts to avoid leaks and subsequent expensive repairs to your home's exterior.