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One of the biggest
contributors to basement dampness is uncontrolled rainwater, that is
runoff that is allowed to flow unchecked off a roof and pool on the
ground. You can imagine the amount of water that the surface area of
a roof captures in one seconds and then directs downward. Now
multiply that by how many seconds in an hour, or hours and it doesn't
take long before it adds up to enough water to fill a small swimming
pool.
Gutters
area crucial part of ensuring a dry basement by routing the roof
water to proper drainage pipes which are directed away from the
house. Without gutters on your home, rainwater running off your roof
will pool alongside your home's foundation. As cement is not a
material that is impervious top water a constant build up will
inevitably lead to seepage into the basement.
Unchecked rainwater
runoff can also ruin paint, stain your siding and drown your flowers.
It could also compromise cement and brick patios and walkways
especially if you live in an area subject to ice, snow and freezing
temperatures. The freeze-thaw cycle makes water in the ground swell
and contract causing the break up of hard surfaces.
Not only do they keep
the area around the basement walls from saturating they also protect
windows and doors by stopping the waterfalls that can cause dampness
and rot around the frames. And, besides, who needs a concentrated
blast of cold rainwater on the head and shoulders before entering a
building?
Types of Gutters
Vinyl Gutters
These are a perennial
favorite because of the cost and ease of installation. The
lightweight design makes the sections easily to snap together and
install. Incorrect installation, as with any type of gutter, can
result in leaking and sags which could lead to cracking. Over time
vinyl may get brittle and crack, especially in areas where the
winters are very cold. Vinyl is attached with straps which screw into
the facia. Because of the ease of installation they are a favorite of
do-it-yourselfers but a company will charge you $2- $5 a linear foot
for installation.
Aluminum Gutters
Like vinyl gutters,
aluminum house gutters are also lightweight, rust-proof, and easy to
install. However, unlike vinyl they are not bothered by cold climates
and can be painted (Vinyl can be painted too but paint lasts longer
on aluminum). Their drawback is that they can be dented by ladder
placement and, if not the seamless variety, are prone to leaking at
the joints as they age. Another disadvantage is that aluminum is
usually attached with spikes which tend to come lose allowing the
gutter to sag.
Seamless aluminum
gutters cost from $5 to $9 per lineal foot, installed. The metal is
available in more than one thickness but go for the thickest (.032
gauge) material.
Steel Gutters
Galvanized steel rain
gutters hold their shape better than aluminum and do not damage
easily. The main drawback is that rust can enter cut ends and
eventually cause perforations which will leak. However, steel tends
to be cheaper running $2.50 to $4 per foot, or less than hlf the cost
of aluminum.
Stainless Steel
Gutters
A more common, but
high-end material is stainless steel. Stainless steel gutters are
strong, rust free, and they maintain their shine for many years.
However, these gutters also cost about $20 per linear foot.
Copper Gutters
Consider installing copper gutters if price is not an issue. Copper
has proved to be the most durable and stylish material used to create
gutters but, like stainless steel, get ready for a shock when you get
the bill: $15 to $19 a foot installed.
Whatever your choice
make sure that the installer has a formula for the number of
downspouts nneded to redirect the water. Fewer downspouts than the
system needs will cause water to spill over the gutters because the
water cannot be diverted downward fast enough.
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