1. Seamless
Seamless rain gutters
mean rain gutters without seams, splices or splits that keep it from
being continuous. Depending on the time of the year, any gutter over the
length of 50' can have expansion and contraction issues. Meaning if it's
installed during cold times of the year the metal is shrunk. During times of
high heat the gutter will swell causing expansion and forcing the face of the
gutter to bulge out. This may require any gutter over 50' to be install in two
separate gutters.
2. Corners
A box which is show in
diagram 1a was outdated in the 70's. These are garbage and provide 3
- 4 different seams to leak. Strip mitres Shown in diagram 1d is commonly
used by 9 out 10 companies. These are also built for speed only, The installer uses a hacksaw
to cut a 45o cut on both ends of the receiving gutter and the strip
mitre receives both ends and acts as a band aid for the corner. This is
unsightly and causes more flex in the corner and has two seems that will likely
pull apart in time.
Diagram 1b & 1c show
what hand cut seam corners look like. One end is cut as a female end (smooth
cut) and the male end has 1/2 to 1" tabs leaving only 1 seam to be sealed.
Good Companies know how to hand cut. This should be a must for your house.
3. Slope
Rain gutter should be
sloped at a average of an 8th of a inch for every 10 ft. Gutters over the length
of 35ft should have two downspouts.
4. Edge metal
The back of the rain
gutter should be tucked behind the drip metal to insure a proper water tight
install. Of course if the house has a problem with structure, such as improper
fascia installation or a dipped roof line this will have a factor in the way the
gutter looks at the reveal. (see diagram 2a)
5. Covers
Check out Gutter
Shelter
6. Heat Tape
Ask for details
7. Mounting Brackets
There are 2 systems
of mounting that really work great. First is the 7" nail & Ferrule which should
installed 18 -22" apart. (see diagram 2a)
Second system is the
hidden hanger bracket they also should be installed 18-22" apart and are screwed
in with at least a 2" wood fast water tight screw (see diagram 2b)
Metal Roofs require twice the amount of mounting brackets and usually need to be
accompanied with sno-brakes mounted on the roof above the bearing wall.
(see diagram 2c)
8. Paint
If your house has gutters or your planning to install gutters make sure aerosol
paints are not sprayed on any of the parts such as corners, down spouts, straps
or scratches. As these will fade and the corners will have stripes. The screws
should be pre-painted before being installed.