Rain gutters are open pipes that are installed around the edge of a roof. Their purpose is to catch runoff from rainwater and divert it to the ground, minimizing any water damage to the home and environs. There are several methods of attaching rain gutters to houses. One method is to suspend them by straps. These types of rain gutter systems are referred to as "strap-hung" gutters. Does this Spark an idea?
Suspension
Typical strap-hung gutters are held up by straps that are attached to the roof of a home or building. The straps are attached to the roof by screws, and attached to the outer edge of the gutter, or "gutter bead," by rivets or bolts. According to the carpentry website Copper.org, the straps should extend a minimum of 6 inches onto the roof. By-brackets are often used to provide additional support.
Aprons
An apron is installed along the roof sheathing and locked into the fold of the gutter to make sure that strap-hung gutters function correctly. The apron must extend at least 4 inches onto the roof and is usually attached to the roof by nails. The purpose of the apron is to further support the gutter and to form a "drip" or "drip edge," which helps to direct the water into the rain gutter.
Reinforcing Bars
Strap-hung gutters require reinforcing bars of bronze or copper to be installed in the gutter bead. The straps are fastened through the reinforcing bar. The purpose of the bar is to offer additional support and ensure that the gutter does not break free under the weight of water or ice and snow buildup. It also helps prevent the gutter from becoming bent or misshapen.
Climate
One-piece gutter and apron designs should be used instead of two-piece designs in locations that receive a lot of snow during the winter. One-piece designs offer greater support against the weight of ice, snow and any water that is prevented from draining because the system is blocked by snow. According to the Copper.org, one-piece gutters and aprons will also help to prevent the formation of leaks due to capillary action when ice and snow prevent proper water drainage.
Effects
As a form of preventive maintenance, installing strap-hung gutters can be beneficial to homeowners in several ways. Rain gutters help to prevent leaks and flooding of basements. Rain gutters also prevent erosion to property and reduce rot and weathering by keeping rainwater off siding. Gutters may also reduce the frequency of painting or staining the outside of the house. In the long run, the installation of gutters helps homeowners save money by avoiding or reducing costly repairs associated with water damage.
Tags: attached roof, additional support, gutter bead, help prevent, inches onto, inches onto roof, onto roof