Looking to add gutters to your residential roofing system? Without gutters, the rain that hits your roof's surface will run down the walls of your home and get into the foundation of the building. When this happens, your home may suffer significant water damage down the line.

Gutter system installation helps to prevent this from happening by directing your roof's run-off away from the walls and foundation of the home. Unfortunately, not just any gutters will do.

You have many options when it comes to gutter selection. If you'd like to choose the right one for your home, then it is important that you know what to look at when comparing your choices. Below are a few important things to consider when selecting your residential gutters.

The Amount of Rainfall You Receive In Your Specific Area

Gutters are installed to serve as part of your residential roof's drainage system. Their primary job is to ensure your roof's run-off is directed away from the roof itself and the rest of your home quickly enough.

For your gutters to function well, they should be properly sized. Proper gutter sizing requires ensuring that your gutter system installation will be large enough to handle the rainfall rates that you receive in your local area. If you choose a gutter system that is too small for your needs, it'll put your home at risk of suffering stormwater damage.

The Life Expectancy of Your Gutters 

While gutters are designed to provide your home with adequate protection against water damage, the durability of different types of gutters can vary greatly. Generally, metal gutters tend to be the sturdiest and most durable while inexpensive vinyl versions only offer a decent life expectancy.

The type of gutters you should add to your home will depend on how long you expect them to last. Gutter manufacturers usually provide limited warranties on their products. Checking these warranties can give you a rough idea of how long their products can last.

Keep in mind that even though some gutters require a higher level of maintenance than others, no gutter is completely maintenance-free. Make sure you consider the level of upkeep each will require to reach its expected life expectancy. 

The Look You Want Your Gutters to Give

As they're installed along the edges of a roof, gutters can influence the exterior appearance and beauty of a home in a huge way. The good news is that they come in a plethora of materials, styles, and colors to match different roofs and home styles.

Make sure you choose a look that accentuates the style of your roof, increases the curb appeal of your home, and complies with the local council and homeowners' association requirements.

Choosing the correct gutters is crucial to ensure the success of your residential gutter system installation project. If you need expert advice and guidance when it comes to gutter selection, don't hesitate to contact a professional gutter installer (for example, Holthaus Companies Inc).