Responsible for protecting your home from water damage, the importance of gutters cannot be overstated. When fitting your home with a new system, you may feel overwhelmed by all the details to consider. It’s easier to choose a system and installation method that makes sense when you understand how it works. 

3 Essential Components of a Gutter System 

1. Sections 

Connected by miters on the corners, gutter sections are typically five to six feet long and span the edge of your roof, attached by small cylindrical pieces of metal called ferrules. L-shaped fascia brackets are placed underneath the sections to hold them against the fascia on the roof. 

Whether made from aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper, they’re installed to slope downward half an inch for every ten feet to gently guide rainwater to the ground. They also include hidden hangers around the openings for additional support.  

The section pieces can be dented or punctured by heavy impact or sharp objects. They’re prone to rust as well. You’re more likely to prevent damage by keeping your trees trimmed and property clear of debris that could ram into the system during a storm. 

2. Downspouts 

Also called a leader, the downspout stretches between the roof and the ground to release the water. The curved end, known as an elbow, directs the water toward a drainage area away from your home’s foundation. 

To keep it firmly in place, pipe cleats and a bracket are fastened between the downspout and the side of your home. Downspouts are often clogged by debris, ice, or animal nests, so clean them out regularly. Ask a general contractor to correct it should it be bent away from the drainage area. 

3. End Caps 

To stop water from splashing out of the system before it can be transported to the downspout and drainage area, every section culminates in an end cap. Flat and cut to the precise shape of the gutter, the end caps work well with gutter guards and screens to control water flow and prevent them from spilling onto the roof or ground, which would lead to water damage or flooding. 

Over time, they wear down and develop cracks. Caulking is a good temporary solution, but you will eventually need to replace them in these cases. 

Gutter system setup is best done by professionals with vast expertise in its anatomy, which is why you should contact Peak Performance Gutter Protection in Angier, NC. After more than 20 years of offering efficient and dependable gutter installation, maintenance, and repair services, they’re proud to say that their reputation for state-of-the-art products and craftsmanship has led to their accreditation by the Better Business Bureau. To schedule a consultation, call them today at (910) 939-8900 or message them online.