gutters

Gutter Screws: Why Do They Matter?

When your gutter system is functioning as it should, it can save you the cost of repairing and replacing your roof, siding and windows because of water damage. As such, you must invest time and effort to make sure it is in good condition every year. Ensuring effective gutters starts with quality installation from a reliable residential roofing contractor.

The longevity and performance of your gutters will depend on the type of materials the pros will use during installation. Even the gutter screws they use to fasten them can make a big difference. Here’s why they matter.

The Threat of Galvanic Corrosion

Something so small such as a screw can reduce the quality of the installation, especially if it is the wrong material used. When two different or “dissimilar” metals are interconnected or joined, rust starts to appear through an electrochemical process called galvanic corrosion. Choosing metal roofing and gutters of the same type is the best way to avoid this type of corrosion. Matching the materials that will be used to install new gutters lessens the potential difference and galvanic current.

Types of Screws Used in Gutter System Installation

Many gutter installers use either one of the two most common types of gutter screws—zinc-plated and stainless steel. They may look similar in terms of appearance, but the latter offers more in terms of longevity and resilience than the former. Depending on the quality of the zinc-plated gutter screws, deterioration caused by sun and rain exposure can happen in just a matter of months or after a year. Apart from being an eyesore, the rust can cause the gutters to become less secure.

Stainless steel screws stand up to the elements better than their zinc-plated counterparts. They have high resistance to deterioration, oxidation, and corrosion. Aside from giving your gutters structural integrity to hold large volumes of water runoff, these screws also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the entire system.

Deschutes Roofing & Insulation offers seamless aluminum gutters to homeowners in the local area.

Each section comes in lengths of up to 50 feet, providing a neater, more uniform look than segmented gutters. The seams are around the corners, which means these gutters are less likely to leak every time there’s a heavy downpour.