The Damaging, Long-Term Effects of Gutter Expansion
Gutter expansion can be a real problem. So much so, sometimes gutter expansion can result in a visible bowing of the system. And in some cases, the gutters will tear away vertically at the front face. Because different materials expand and contract at different rates, the rate of gutter expansion can vary but is an issue with all materials, including copper, steel, plastic, aluminum, and wood. Let's take a closer look at gutter expansion and how the experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island can help.
What Is Gutter Expansion?
Very simply, gutter expansion is the process of your gutters expanding in the spring and summer months and then contracting during the colder months. When temperatures drop below 30 degrees, most gutter materials are fully contracted. This means there may be a problem with buckling as temperatures climb into the higher 90s in summer.
Most evidence suggests a 50 foot piece of gutter that is installed at 30 degrees F will expand virtually .75 on an inch in a year's time. And when it comes to gutter expansion, not all areas of the gutter are impacted the same. We've found that gutter expansion problems are more prevalent over driveways and walkways because these areas tend to reflect more sunlight back upward at the gutter system.
Gutter Expansion Can Cause Spike Removal
Gutter expansion can cause a host of problems. When it is cold, the gutter material will contract; but when it warms up, the gutters will naturally expand. As the gutters try to expand laterally, the fasteners that are used in the installation will attempt to hold the gutters in place. This resistance causes the gutters to bulge or blow up.
Over time, this force places immense pressure on the gutter fasteners and can eventually force them loose or even push them completely out of the gutter. The longer the length of your gutters, the more noticeable the problem will be. If you were to pay special attention to the effects of gutter expansion, you'll notice the effects more towards the ends of the gutters than in the middle. And once the fasteners are pulled out, they will lose their ability to hold your gutter system in place. However, the experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island can solve this problem by installing Raytec brand hidden hangers. These hangers are the very best on the market and are specifically designed with a proprietary alloy to offer your gutters the support they need with enough leeway for gutter expansion.
Gutter Expansion Can Cause Sagging & Leaking Joints
Gutter expansion and contraction are also the key reasons your gutters may begin to sag over time. Once your gutters begin sagging, they will become susceptible to leaking at the seams, miters (corners) and endcaps. Combined with the elements, the constant contraction and expansion often results in joint sealers that harden and crack. After this happens, this repair is relatively difficult to make. Even if a joint sealer repair is made, they typically have a very short life and only last a single season. The resealed area will always redevelop another leak.
The best way to overcome leaking joints is to have the experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island perform seamless gutters installation. Using our experience and the very best materials, hangers and silicone, we can assure you a long term solution for a nagging problem. While seamless gutters may have a higher initial price tag, the benefits will more than pay for themselves over time. And you can choose seamless gutters from an array of colors, sizes and styles.
Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island to Solve for Gutter Expansion Issues
At Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island, our team of professional gutter installers regularly design gutter systems with gutter expansion in mind. These key components are engineered to allow for the movement of your gutters due to temperature. While we provide consideration for gutter expansion in all gutter installations, less experienced installers usually fail to do so, which leads to more problems for homeowners down the road. The experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island will guide you through the process for the best solution for your home.
Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island today for professional gutter installation and gutter repair.
