DOCSLIB.ORG

Gutter System Installation Standards Product Specification

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Gutter System Installation Standards Product Specification Property of: Spectra Metal Sales Gutters and Leaf Protection Introduction A Rain Gutter System starts with a trough, called a gutter, which collects rainwater from the roofline of a house and diverts it away from the structure, using elbows and downspouts. • The purpose of this diversion is to prevent water flow off the roof edge which can cause structural damage over time to the walls and/or foundation of a house. • The gutter system is more important to the exterior of your home than the actual paint, siding, or even windows, because it protects your home from rot, mold, mildew, and flooding. • This water damage, without a gutter system, occurs slowly, spreads quickly, and is unnoticeable until the damage repair is substantial. • For your gutter system to work properly, it must be able to empty out the water faster than it fills up. In order to ensure the proper flow of water, a few are vital to the success of the overall gutter system: 1) Seamless gutters 2) Gutter and downspout sizing 3) Slope or pitch of gutter 4) Downspout placement 5) Keeping the gutters debris free 6) Using quality parts and accessories 2 Gutter Specifications Scope of Guide A) The Rain-carrying system consists of all necessary components to complete installation with products manufactured or endorsed for use by Spectra Metal Sales. System Components A) Gutters shall be made of 3105-H24 aluminum and shall be continuous and seamless with a minimum thickness gauge of .032” or .027” (+/- .002” nominal). B) All pre-painted components will have an approved SMS Finish and Color. C) Prior to painting, all metal shall receive a pre-treatment to assure for maximum paint adhesion. The exterior finish shall be of a baked on enamel, one-coat system applied in a continuous process in a single operation, comprising a high- performance linear topcoat. The inside of the gutter shall be finished with a wash-coat finish. D) Downspouts, Elbows, Miters, End caps shall be made of 3105-H24 aluminum with a minimum thickness gauge of .019” (+/- .002” nominal). E) Sealant/Caulking - Seam Sealer, OSI ProSeries, Ruscoe, Geocel F) Hanging system for the standard K-style system will be the SMS Hidden Hanger with Screw attached for size as necessary. G) Lock-On Gutter Screen from SMS, sized as necessary. H) Solid Gutter Cover from SMS, to be the Leaf Protection Panels in an approved SMS color. I) All accessories used with the SMS Rain-carrying system will be procured from a SMS distribution or manufacturing facility. Installation Guidelines A) Gutters shall be formed onsite from SMS gutter coil, which has been procured from an approved SMS distribution point. B) Gutters should have a minimum pitch of ¼” for every 10 feet of single section. C) Downspouts should be installed every 40 feet. D) Outlets and Elbows will be screwed or riveted to the adjoining section for security. E) Miters will be screwed or riveted to the adjoining section with an approved sealant. Field cut miters, Box miters, and Strip miters are all acceptable forms of installation. F) Hangers will be spaced a maximum 24”-36” inches apart on any continuous gutter run for strength and stability of the overall system. 3 Gutter System Installation Instructions 1. The first thing to do is determine how much material you will need. Obtain the linear footage measurements of the roofline. Also, decide where you want your downspouts. Be sure to practice ladder safety. 2. Begin measuring the roofline where the gutter will be installed, adding together the lengths of each fascia. Take the measurement from the outer edge of the shingle. Mark the measurements and make an outline on graph paper. Next, mark the locations of the downspouts with an "X.". Plan on one downspout per gutter per 20 foot run. Finally, measure and add the heights from the ground to the roofline in the locations where the downspouts will go. 3. If you are replacing an existing gutter system, once the old system is removed check for rot along the fascia board. If there is damage, replace the fascia plate or fascia cover over it or just replace the fascia board. 4. For every 10 feet of gutter, you need at least a quarter-inch of drop. This will ensure that the water flows towards the downspout. 5. Begin by driving a nail into the fascia at one end of the gutter-run wall a half-inch below the top of the fascia. Stretch a mason's line from the nail. To properly align the slope (using a line level on the mason's line) drop one end of the line a quarter-inch for every 10 feet of fascia length, then mark that point with a pencil. Snap a chalk line from the marks to show where the top of the gutter will be attached. 6. Remember to pitch longer runs toward an outlet at either end, as opposed to just one end. The gutters should always be pitched away from the front valleys and towards the corners. 7. Using the chalk line to keep the gutters flush with the slope line. Remember to slope towards the outlet and downspout. Continue this process with all gutter sections. 8. The end cap section is the piece you will start with when applying the gutters to the fascia. Working from the end of the fascia, use hidden fasteners to attach the gutter to the fascia. Hidden fasteners are slipped into the gutter run, and then the gutter is screwed into the fascia with a drill and screws. Hidden fasteners are placed every 24 inches along the gutter run. 4 9. To attach a downspout, assemble an elbow and a short length of downspout to carry the run to the wall. Anchor the downspout to the wall with two brackets while attaching the top of the downspout into the exposed outlet. Attach another elbow at the bottom of the downspout to divert water away from the foundation. Place a splash guard underneath it to keep water from eroding the soil. 10. Check all joints and seams to verify the proper amount of sealant has been applied to prevent potential leaks. 11. Clean all scrap metal and trimmings from the jobsite. 5 Letter of Certification 5 Inch Speed Screw Hanger 5SSH Spectra Metal Sales, Inc. is a member of the National Coil Coating Association and uses the NCCA’s standards as guidelines for physical testing. • The Aluminum used is alloy 3105-H24 or 3105-H25 which meets the specifications set forth in the “Aluminum Standards and Data 2006” published by the Aluminum Association. The finished gauge of the Aluminum for this coil is .048, +/- .002. • The attached screw is a #10 High Grade core hardened industrial fastener, with a hex washer for solid contact with the driver. The screw has a sharp cut point to easily bite through aluminum or steel gutter or fascia. 5” 6 Letter of Certification 3” x 4” Aluminum Downpipe .019 Gauge Aluminum Spectra Metal Sales, Inc. is a member of the National Coil Coating Association and uses the NCCA’s standards as guidelines for physical testing. • The Aluminum used is alloy 3105-H15 or 3105-H25 which meets the specifications set forth in the “Aluminum Standards and Data 2006” published by the Aluminum Association. The gauge of the Aluminum for this coil is .019, +/- .002. • The Aluminum’s inside and outside coating is a thermo polyester paint which is roll coated and baked per manufactures specifications. • The paint specifications used for our smooth white polyester coated trim coil are as follows: Dry Film Thickness: .80 +/- .05 mils Gloss (60’): 10 +/- 2 Units Solvent Resistance: 100 Double rubs (M.E.K.) Flexibility: .019 (+/-.003) 2 T Bend minimum Impact (N.T.O.): 1-1/2 Times metal thickness in Inch-Lbs (ASTM D 2794) Pencil Hardness: F - 2H Humidity Resistance: No blistering, loss of adhesion after 1,000 hours exposure to 100% relative humidity. (ASTM D 2247) Salt Spray Resistance: No field blistering and no more than 1/16” creep from a score line after neutral salt spray testing for 1,000 Hours (ASTM B 117) Weathering Resistance: Will withstand ten years outdoor southern exposure in South Florida, without cracking, blistering, splitting or pealing. 3” 4” Specifications & Features of the finished Product 12. Overall Length is 10 Feet, standard. 13. The pipe opening is 3 x 4 inches. 14. The finished of this product is covered by a 20 year limited warranty. 15. Made in the USA, using 97% post consumer material. 7 Letter of Certification .027 x 11.75 & 15 Aluminum Coil 5” & 6” Gutter Coil Spectra Metal Sales, Inc. is a member of the National Coil Coating Association (NCCA) and uses the NCCA and/or the Aluminum Association’s standards as guidelines for the physical testing of the material. • The Aluminum used is alloy 3105-H24 or 3105-H25 which meets the specifications set forth in the “Aluminum Standards and Data 2006” published by the Aluminum Association. The finished gauge of the Aluminum for this coil is .027, +/- .002. The 3105 alloy is building sheet grade consisting of approximately 97% recycled materials • The Aluminum’s inside and outside coating is a thermo polyester paint which is roll coated and baked on per the Paint Manufacturers specifications. • The paint specifications used for our aluminum gutter coil are as follows: Top Dry Film Thickness: .65 +/- .05 mils Gloss (60°): 10 +/- 2 Units (varies by color) Solvent Resistance: 100 Double rubs (M.E.K.) Flexibility: .027 (+/-.002) 2 T Bend minimum Impact (N.T.O.): 1-1/2 Times metal thickness in Inch-Lbs (ASTM D 2794) Pencil Hardness: F - 2H Humidity Resistance: No blistering, loss of adhesion after 1,000 hours exposure to 100% relative humidity.
Recommended publications
  • BUILDING CONSTRUCTION NOTES.Pdf

    BUILDING CONSTRUCTION NOTES.Pdf

    10/21/2014 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION RIO HONDO TRUCK ACADEMY Why do firefighters need to know about Building Construction???? We must understand Building Construction to help us understand the behavior of buildings under fire conditions. Having a fundamental knowledge of buildings is an essential component of the decisiondecision--makingmaking process in successful fireground operations. We have to realize that newer construction methods are not in harmony with fire suppression operations. According to NFPA 1001: Standard for FireFighter Professional Qualifications Firefighter 1 Level ––BasicBasic Construction of doors, windows, and walls and the operation of doors, windows, and locks ––IndicatorsIndicators of potential collapse or roof failure ––EffectsEffects of construction type and elapsed time under fire conditions on structural integrity 1 10/21/2014 NFPA 1001 Firefighter 2 Level ––DangerousDangerous building conditions created by fire and suppression activities ––IndicatorsIndicators of building collapse ––EffectsEffects of fire and suppression activities on wood, masonry, cast iron, steel, reinforced concrete, gypsum wallboard, glass and plaster on lath Money, Money, Money….. Everything comes down to MONEY, including building construction. As John Mittendorf says “ Although certain types of building construction are currently popular with architects, modern practices will be inevitably be replaced by newer, more efficient, more costcost--effectiveeffective methods ”” Considerations include: ––CostCost of Labor ––EquipmentEquipment
  • Rain Gutters

    Rain Gutters

    RAIN GUTTERS COMPLETE RANGE OF PLASTIC RAIN GUTTERS PLASTMO.DK ABOUT PLASTMO We are a Danish company that was founded in 1958. Today our headquarters and manufacturing facility is in Ringsted. We are the market leader in Denmark for solutions to handle rain water, such as rain gutters, drainage, gabions and lightweight roofing solutions. The company is part of the Plastmo Nordic division that operates in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Poland with an annual turnover of approxi- mately DKK 250 million and 100 employees. Plastmo A/S is owned by the international ACO group, which has an annual turnover of DKK 5,3 billion, and is the world leader in line drainage. 2 Scandinavian design and quality QUALITY TIGHT JOINS AND SIMPLE Plastmo has produced rain gutters for the Nordic ASSEMBLY WITH GLUE climate for more than 50 years. The result is a All parts in our rain gutter system are bonded to- complete range of durable and simple solutions gether to get unobtrusive and tight joins. After five that provide you with some unique benefits. decades spent with home owners in the Nordic Regardless of whether you are building new con- countries, the glue has demonstrated its strength, struction or renovating. and is still holding up. You can use glue for all ma- terials. At the same time it is simple and quick to install the rain gutters and it provides you with extra security that you will achieve a good result. 3 PLASTMO PLASTIC RAIN GUTTERS Plastmo Plastic Rain Gutters have proven their strength for more than half a century.
  • Truss-Facts-Book.Pdf

    Truss-Facts-Book.Pdf

    TRUSS FACTS BOOK CONTENTS WHAT IS A TRUSS? 2 THE EVOLUTION OF TRUSSES 3 THE UNIVERSAL TRUSS PLATE 5 TRUSS TERMS 6 TRUSS NUMBERING SYSTEM 8 TRUSS SHAPES 9 TRUSS SYSTEMS 12 GABLE END 12 HIP 12 DUTCH HIP 14 GIRDER AND SADDLE 15 SPECIAL TRUSS SYSTEMS 16 CANTILEVER 17 TRUSS DESIGN 18 TRUSS ANALYSIS 18 TRUSS LOADING COMBINATION & LOAD DURATION 18 LOAD DURATION 18 DESIGN OF TRUSS MEMBERS 18 WEBS 18 CHORDS 19 MODIFICATION FACTORS USED IN DESIGN 19 STANDARD & COMPLEX DESIGN 19 BASIC TRUSS MECHANICS 20 TENSION 20 COMPRESSION 20 BENDING 20 DEFLECTION 21 TRUSS ACTION 21 DESIGN LOADS 22 LIVE LOADS 22 WIND LOAD 23 TERRAIN CATEGORIES 24 SEISMIC LOADS 24 TRUSS HANDLING AND ERECTION 25 MULTINAIL CONNECTOR PLATES 26 MULTI GRIPS 26 TRIPLE GRIPS 26 EASY FIX GIRDER BRACKETS 26 INTERNAL WALL BRACKETS 26 TRUSS BOOTS 26 ANTI TWIST TRUSS BOOTS 26 PURLIN STRAPS 27 CYCLONE TIES 27 JOIST HANGERS 27 STUD TIES 27 STRAP NAILS 27 FLAT TENSION BRACING 27 STEELWOOD JOISTS 28 MULTISTRUT JOISTS 29 © MULTINAIL 1 TRUSS FACTS BOOK WHAT IS A TRUSS? A ‘truss’ is formed when structural members are joined together in triangular configurations. The truss is one of the basic types of structural frames formed from structural members. A truss consists of a group of ties and struts designed and connected to form a structure which acts as a large span beam. The members usually form one or more triangles in a single plane and are arranged so that the external loads are applied at the joints and theoretically cause only axial tension or axial compression in the members.
  • Roof and Gutter De-Icing Cable

    Roof and Gutter De-Icing Cable

    ROOF AND GUTTER DE-ICING CABLE Design and Installation Guide Industrial Residential CommeWhat are Ice Dams? How Ice Dams are formed 1 Rising heat from the house melts the blanket of snow and ice on the roof from the bottom up, sending water trickling down the roof. 2 When water arrives at the cold eaves, it refreezes and forms a dam, preventing drainage. 3 Water is trapped behind the dam and backs up under the shingles. 4 The melted water can leak into the house through the windows or ceiling Snowmelt Principles and Application: Electrical Heat Trace Cable is intended to provide drain paths for the melted or flowing water to be carried away from the roof, gutters, and down spouts. This system is not intended to provide a snow free surface. Roofs in General Sun and building heat combine to melt accumulated snow at the roof/snow interface. Snow is porous and allows water to flow. Ice is not porous and will trap water. Water will flow as long as the roof surface stays above freezing. When the water runs to the roof edge it freezes, starting an “ice dam” that continues to grow and trap more water, leading to leakage problems. The objective of a snowmelt system is to ensure the water is drained off and not allowed to freeze at the roof edge forming a dam. Gutter Damage from Ice The water that enters into your rain gutters can freeze and build up an enormous amount of weight many times causing water to leak into soffits and entering into the building.
  • The Classic Rain-Gutter Loop Antenna – Is It Any Good?

    The Classic Rain-Gutter Loop Antenna – Is It Any Good?

    The Classic Rain-Gutter Loop Antenna – Is it any Good? A simple technical look at an HF horizontal loop of wire strung around your house at rain-gutter height, plus. some novel loop disguise techniques. By John Portune W6NBC Compromise disguise antennas are no strangers to hams, especially on HF. But which ones are worth the effort? We often just put them up and hope for the best. But when I moved to a CC&R restrictive mobile home park recently, I wanted better answers, particularly for the classic rain-gutter loop, Figure 1. I couldn’t put up more of an HF antenna without the neighbors noticing. But was it any good, or only little more than a dummy load? Figure 1: Classic rain-gutter-height loop, elevated on standoffs (stylized for emphasis) To find out, I challenged the rain-gutter loop with EZNEC antenna modeling software. This required best-case and worst-caswe models to encompass most house variables: (1) two loop heights, (2) two house types and (3) several bands. These would place most houses somewhere within these limits. Loop heights were: 10 ft. (rain-gutter height) and 25 ft. (a more conventional loop height). House types were: all wood (best case) and stucco/chicken wire (worst case). Bands were: 40M, 20M and 10M. Why didn’t I include 80M and 160M? Well, I did at first, but right up front, EZNEC revealed something very important about horizontal loops – Rule of Thumb 1. RULE OF THUMB 1 To be efficient, a closed loop must have a perimeter greater than one wavelength (1λ) on the lowest band in use.
  • Draft Mansard Roof Guidance 201115

    Draft Mansard Roof Guidance 201115

    London Borough of Tower Hamlets DRAFT MANSARD ROOF GUIDANCE NOTE Draft for consultation November 2015 0 Draft Mansard Roof Guidance Purpose of this consultation The purpose of the Mansard Roof Guidance Note is to support residents who would like to make a planning application for a new mansard roof in one of the Borough’s Conservation Areas. The Draft Mansard Roof Guidance Note contains information on the most relevant planning policies that the Council must consider when making decision on planning applications; the character of historic roofs in Tower Hamlets; the elements of Mansard Roofs and best practice advice on how you should approach the design of a new mansard roof in a conservation area; and finally, the document includes some helpful tips for you to refer to when making a planning application for a new mansard roof in a Conservation Area. In order to assist residents with planning application process, officers have also examined the following eight Conservation Areas in more detail to identify the best opportunities for properties to extend: Driffield Road; Medway; Fairfield Road; Victoria Park; Jesus Hospital Estate; York Square; Chapel House; and Tredegar Square. Officer recommendations have been presented in draft addendum to the relevant Conservation Area Character Appraisals. These addendums are also subject to consultation from 23 November 2015 and 18 January 2016. More information on these can be found via the links and contact details below. How you can get involved It is important that this Guidance Note is easy to understand and useful. If you feel that this document could be improved and the information better communicated, we would be grateful for your feedback during the public consultation.
  • Technical Bulletin No.7 Roofline Installation Details

    Technical Bulletin No.7 Roofline Installation Details

    technical bulletin No.7 Roofline Installation Details This technical bulletin is intended to provide you with a brief overview of the popular products in Kestrel’s Roofline range, where they can be used and the main criteria for installation. Typical Eaves Details K16 Fascia & 9mm Vented Soffit Eaves Protector Fascia Installation Details Pre-Installation Considerations Preparation: • All access and works to comply with current and relevant Health & Safety and Construction Design Management Regulation recommendations. Stainless Steel Polytop Fixings 2 x 65mm @ 600mm Centres • Clear work area in-line with best practice before starting work, ensuring safe scaffolding access is available. 803 Vented Soffit Stainless Steel Polytop Fixings 10mm Air gap 1 x 40mm @ 600mm Centres • Remove first row of roof tiles where necessary. • Remove all existing fascia / soffit materials. K22 Fascia & 9mm Vented Soffit • Replace any un-sound / rotten timber or felt and treat rafter ends with preservative. • Maintain air path for roof ventilation. Eaves Protector Installation considerations Installation considerations are intended to provide you with need- to-know information for the core processes of product installation. They are not intended as an exhaustive installation guide. The information presented will provide you with a valuable resource when assessing how best to use our products in your selected application. Stainless Steel Polytop Fixings 2 x 65mm @ 600mm Centres Fascia 803 Vented Soffit 692 Soffit Channel Fit directly to rafter ends using polytop nails, 2 per fixing centre max 10mm Air gap 600mm centres - 65mm nails. Austenitic stainless steel (Grade A4 KB16 Fascia & 9mn Vented Soffit BS6105). Fascia is capable of load bearing in relation to light weight gutters and the first row of roof tiles (Eaves Tiles).
  • Roof Truss – Fact Book

    Roof Truss – Fact Book

    Truss facts book An introduction to the history design and mechanics of prefabricated timber roof trusses. Table of contents Table of contents What is a truss?. .4 The evolution of trusses. 5 History.... .5 Today…. 6 The universal truss plate. 7 Engineered design. .7 Proven. 7 How it works. 7 Features. .7 Truss terms . 8 Truss numbering system. 10 Truss shapes. 11 Truss systems . .14 Gable end . 14 Hip. 15 Dutch hip. .16 Girder and saddle . 17 Special truss systems. 18 Cantilever. .19 Truss design. .20 Introduction. 20 Truss analysis . 20 Truss loading combination and load duration. .20 Load duration . 20 Design of truss members. .20 Webs. 20 Chords. .21 Modification factors used in design. 21 Standard and complex design. .21 Basic truss mechanics. 22 Introduction. 22 Tension. .22 Bending. 22 Truss action. .23 Deflection. .23 Design loads . 24 Live loads (from AS1170 Part 1) . 24 Top chord live loads. .24 Wind load. .25 Terrain categories . 26 Seismic loads . 26 Truss handling and erection. 27 Truss fact book | 3 What is a truss? What is a truss? A “truss” is formed when structural members are joined together in triangular configurations. The truss is one of the basic types of structural frames formed from structural members. A truss consists of a group of ties and struts designed and connected to form a structure that acts as a large span beam. The members usually form one or more triangles in a single plane and are arranged so the external loads are applied at the joints and therefore theoretically cause only axial tension or axial compression in the members.
  • Conservation Area Loft Conversion

    Conservation Area Loft Conversion

    Conservation area loft conversion The vast majority of loft conversions Econoloft build fall within permitted development, which means they don’t need planning permission. However, there are exceptions and one of these is if your property sits within a conservation area. The statutory definition of a conservation area is, 'an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.’ While living in such an area offers may benefits, a downside is the restrictions that can be placed on householders who want to develop their home. Econoloft apply for planning permission on your behalf Planning permission essentially means you must have the consent from your local authority before you start building. Every local authority is different when it comes to granting (or not granting permission) which is why, any home within a conservation area or an area of outstanding natural beauty should work with an experienced company like Econoloft. We will do all the paperwork on your behalf and liaise with the relevant personnel to ensure a swift and positive resolution. The Parkington’s live in a conservation area and relied on Econoloft to secure planning for their master bedroom ensuite. They said: “We were fortunate to select Econoloft to carry out the conversion and they demonstrated their expertise from the outset. They really knew their stuff when it came to the planning process. They helped us though the process and thankfully it was relatively simple.” Your Econoloft loft conversion in a conservation area should complement the neighbourhood Planners will be concerned that any alteration to your property does not have a negative impact, not just on your own home, but the street scene and the area overall.
  • Design Guidelines September, 1999 Table of Contents

    Design Guidelines September, 1999 Table of Contents

    Design Guidelines September, 1999 Table of Contents I: Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 A. Preserving the Architectural Heritage............................................................................................................................................. 1 B. History of the Historic District Area............................................................................................................................................... 1 C. Other Areas of Historical Significance........................................................................................................................................... 2 D. Historic Preservation Commission................................................................................................................................................. 3 E. Purpose............................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 F. Scope and Jurisdiction .................................................................................................................................................................... 4 G. Certificate of Appropriateness .......................................................................................................................................................
  • Living Tradition Adding to Our Heritage with More Homes and Sustainable Intensification Living Tradition

    Living Tradition Adding to Our Heritage with More Homes and Sustainable Intensification Living Tradition

    Create Streets Briefing Paper August 2021 Samuel Hughes Living tradition Adding to our heritage with more homes and sustainable intensification Living Tradition Foreword by Christopher Boyle QC Former Chairman of the Georgian Group (2015-2020) The mansard is one of the defining features of the Georgian and Victorian skyline. In eighteenth and nineteenth century Britain, the right of property owners to add mansards went without question: the idea that local governments would one day forbid them would have been viewed with puzzlement. The form of mansards was, however, tightly controlled by a series of Building Acts which governed their height, inclines and materials, as well as regulating their parapets, party walls, chimney stacks and dormers. These regulations led to a distinctive British tradition of mansard design, readily distinguished from those of France or Germany. This fascinating report proposes that we allow this great tradition to be revived. On terraces on which some of the buildings have mansards already, owners of the remaining buildings would enjoy a presumption in favour of permission to add new ones, provided that they followed a design guide ensuring that the new mansards conformed to the best traditions of historic mansard design. On terraces on which none of the buildings have mansards yet, residents would be able to vote for the right to add them, with the same proviso. It is profoundly important that we cherish our architectural heritage, a cause on which I worked during my five years as Chairman of the Georgian Group. Cherishing this heritage involves fighting the demolition of historic buildings, just as it involves fighting alterations that would damage their character.
  • Rain Gutters Are Attached to Your Home and Run Along the Roof Line

    Rain Gutters Are Attached to Your Home and Run Along the Roof Line

    Rain gutters are attached to your home and run along the roof line. They collect the rain water that falls on the roof, and lead it into downspouts, which carry it away from the house or to rainwater collection barrels. Rain gutters help protect the foundation from wearing down and the roof and siding from water leaks that can cause the buildup of mold and mildew. They also help keep moisture out of the crawl space under the house. However, rain gutters also collect plant debris, such as pine needles and leaves, putting your home at risk from burning embers. If debris in the gutters catches fire, the house and everything inside is in danger. Cleaning rain gutters often removes debris buildup, keeps rainwater Rain flowing into the downspout and away from the house, improving the gutters are safety of your home. Plastic gutters are easy to install, but can melt traps for and ignite your home. Metal gutters however, won’t burn or crack, burning making them the best choice in fire hazard areas. embers, which can ignite your You can also increase your home’s safety by putting in gutter home long flashing, which will protect the roof’s edge and help stop fire from before the spreading to the attic. Gutter flashing is a thin layer of waterproof actual wildfire material that’s bent at a right angle and attached under the roof arrives. covering, inside the gutter. Rain gutter covers or guards can be added to block debris and reduce the number of times you need to clean them, but they must be kept up regularly to lower the wildfire risk.