For starters, let’s define European style gutters, or euro-gutters for short. Euro-gutters are half-round gutter systems, contrary to the “open box” style found on traditional ones. The gutter bead on the euro style turns to the outside (as opposed to the inside) which are fastened into place by a half-round hanger. The gutter miter (the gutter fittings that connect/join two gutters at the corner of the roof) are without seams and the end-caps are smoothly rounded. So, why would you as a home owner or developer consider European styled gutters over the more common style found on most homes?
4 Reasons Why You May Consider Using a European Styled Gutter System
1. Aesthetics
That question we posed above, the one with a fragment that states “…over the more common style found on most homes?”. That is an answer within itself. As a homeowner, you may wish to separate yourself from the lots of homes lining the neighbourhood block that you live on, by adding an unmatched level of exterior design, and a definite touch of class. This is especially the case if you consider copper based gutters, a common material used for European systems. Half-round copper gutters are a thing beauty, whether from the moment they are installed when they still maintain their new penny gloss, to the point of age when they wear their copper patina with pride. New construction home developers also look to euro-gutters for their custom-build developments in order to add literal value to their homes for sale, and to enhance their marketability. Simply put, euro-gutter systems look AMAZING and add definite curb-appeal.
2. Durability in Extreme Conditions
Those of you living in climates that experience extreme fluctuations, delivering severe windstorms and battering weather may consider euro-gutters. Many European styled gutters are made from steel, or thicker aluminum, zinc, and the aforementioned copper. Copper, steel, and zinc in particular hold up well to extreme weather, being able to take the brunt of gale force winds, hard rains/hail, and the like.
3. Round Downpipe Funnel Offers Efficient Rainwater Flow
Since the downpipes need to fasten to the half-round installation of euro-gutters they need to be full-round. That means they offer a wider overall circumference and opening, conducive to efficient water flow on especially heavy rainy days (which also reflects upon item #2 above). WeatherGuard’s 3-4” Zambelli’s Round Pipes and Funnel outlets, for example, present the most optimally functioning and high-performance gutter systems around.
4. Less Accommodating to Birds, Rodents, and Other Pests
Euro-gutters are less welcoming to birds, squirrels, rats, mice, and even adventurous raccoons. Think about it, would you rather live in a room with a concave floor or one with traditional 90-degree angles? While outdoor critters and pests can set-up shop practically anywhere (no gutter systems without gutter guards in place are truly protected from such a thing) half-round European gutters are far less accommodating to them. Even the convex underbelly is a repellent to smaller birds which tend to sneak under-the-radar, and wiggle into the perfect right angles under traditional gutters where the corner meets the exterior wall, building a hanging nest. Concerned about wasp and hornet nests? These too are often built along the underbellies of straight-angled gutter systems, making euro-styled gutter the best alternative to keeping these stinging pests from bothering you from above.
Convinced that a European styled gutter system is for you? Live in the Lower Mainland BC? Learn more about euro-gutters here and/or contact us today for an estimate on European styled gutters for your home or home-development project.