Gutters and downspouts are an essential part of home repair and maintenance. They keep water from getting into your house, which can cause major problems to your foundation and flooring. They also help with runoff after rain storms, preventing flooding around your home.
Gutters are an important part of a home’s exterior. They help keep your foundation protected from erosion, and they catch rainwater as it runs off the roof and channel it away from the foundation. They can be made from a variety of materials including copper, aluminum, PVC or vinyl and come in many different styles to match any type of architecture.
Seamless gutters
Seamless gutters are more durable, easier to clean and more aesthetically pleasing than traditional gutters. However, they are also more expensive to install and repair, as well as difficult to maintain. Treat your seamless gutter system with care so that it will last for years.
- Cleaning: The first step in maintaining your seamless gutter system is keeping it clean. This can be done by simply raking leaves out whenever you see them falling into the area under your roof or by hiring a professional cleaner once every few months if there’s been serious buildup of debris. If you’re going the DIY route, it’s best not to use harsh chemicals like bleach (which could damage the rubber seals) or power washers (which may cause water damage around them). Instead try using a soft brush or broom for light cleaning jobs and then use soap suds when you need something stronger but still gentle on your drains’ rubber seals. If there are algae growths or algae spores present in any type of gutter—whether it’s seamless or not—then try spraying these areas with vinegar-water mixtures every six months or so throughout summer season as an alternative method of cleaning up both types
Downspouts
One of the most important parts of your gutters is the downspouts. These are the pipes that carry rainwater away from your roof and into a gutter system, allowing it to flow into a rain barrel or other location of your choosing. To make sure they’re installed properly, follow these guidelines:
- Make sure they aren’t blocked by leaves, snow and other debris by installing them in an area where this won’t happen if possible (like on an overhang or near bushes).
- Make sure they’re at least two feet away from the foundation of your house so water doesn’t pool there instead of draining into them.
Mitering corners
Miter joints are the perfect way to finish off your corners. They allow you to create a clean, professional-looking joint that is strong and will last long. Miter joints can be made with either a miter box, miter saw or mitering jig. To use these tools and make perfect miters every time, follow these steps:
- Using a straightedge as your guide, mark where you want each of your cuts to occur and then take the measurements from there. These markings will help keep you aligned when cutting the pieces so they fit together perfectly.
- Place one side against the fence of the saw first and then slide it up against the blade; this ensures that both sides get an equal amount of pressure on them as they’re being cut off at 45 degrees on each end (if using a miter box). Make sure this side is flush against one side of blade before beginning–you don’t want it sticking out past anything else! Now tighten everything up firmly so there aren’t any gaps between pieces once finished cutting through them all at once later down line during assembly process.”
Gutter cleaning
One of the most important things you can do to keep your gutters and downspouts in good shape is to clean them out every year. If you let debris build up in them, it may cause them to leak or even break entirely. You can hire a professional gutter cleaning service, but if you’re looking to save some money, consider doing it yourself with one of these methods:
- Using a ladder and a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle
- Using an attachment designed specifically for cleaning gutters
- Renting or buying an extension pole to reach farther
Gutter installation
- Gutters should be installed at a minimum of 6 inches above the ground.
- Gutters should be installed at a minimum of 12 inches above the roof.
- Gutters should be installed at a minimum of 6 inches from the wall.
Gutter installation is a great way to keep your home safe from water damage. If you’re looking for gutter installation in Indianapolis or surrounding areas then contact Viking Exteriors today! We provide gutter installation services at affordable prices with high-quality materials.