Choosing the type of roof and its material is not only important for house health but can also affect the health of the gutter system of your house. Understand the pros and cons of using different roof options with gutter systems to ensure well-protected and efficient home maintenance. Let’s discuss different types of roofing materials and their impact on gutter systems.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt is a common choice when it comes to roofing because of its durability benefits. But with time, asphalt sheds granules that can accumulate in gutters. It is not a drawback of using it on the roof, but a characteristic property that asphalt shingles hold.
Metal roofing
As an alternative to prevent asphalt granules, metal roofs are an excellent alternative to avoid gutters from clogging. Metal roofing is durable and prone to any sort of particle shedding. They are easy to maintain and clean. However, leaves, dust, debris, or anything that falls on the roof slides into the gutter pipes. It creates a significant runoff in heavy rainfall or in autumn when leaf shedding is at its peak. It may even require professional gutter repair if it gets heavily clogged.
Wood shingles
Wood singles are a great option considering they are environmentally friendly and are naturally considered heat insulators. But from a gutter health perspective, wood deteriorates with time. This results in bits and pieces accumulating in pipes and gutters.
Tiled roofing
For distinctive appearance and durability, tiles are a go-to option, often adopted for residential roofs. Tiles do not contribute granules or stones for gutters. But their design or texture may contribute to debris accumulating in gutter pipes.
Though gutter clogging is inevitable in all kinds of roofing options. But you may consult a roofing contractor to sort out which option is best for you considering environmental conditions for a seamless gutter system. However, let’s discuss a few preventions to delay or hinder severe gutter clogging scenarios.
Preventive measures
Regular cleaning
Maintain a schedule for cleaning the gutter pipes. This saves a lot of time and prevents clogging. Change the schedule and alter it according to the climatic conditions. For instance, you may clean the pipes more often in monsoon than in summer.
Suitable pipes
Ensure that the pipes you install are suitable according to the volume of water and debris that runs off the roof. very narrow pipes can get easily clogged and are difficult to clean.
Gutter guards
Install gutter guards to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the pipes. It also makes your cleaning job easier as only the guards need cleaning, and the pipes remain relatively free of any clogging substance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choose your roofing based on its gutter-friendly nature. Regular maintenance of the pipes and guards can also contribute to maintaining the good health of your gutter system. But seek professional cleaning if you feel the pipes are completely clogged or the debris is too much to be drained off the pipes.