Going Green
The World Resources Institute reports that the Green Building sector of the construction industry has already risen to $38 Billion and going green is growing fast. The Code Council and the NAHB have joined forces to develop the first-ever residential National Green Building Standards. These standards will make it even easier for commercial construction and home building to adapt to Green Building methods, techniques and materials.
Green building features include sustainable, durable and low maintenance building design and operation. Water and energy efficiency with attention to indoor and outdoor control is a big part of Going Green. So, how does this really fit in with “Going Green with Gutters?”
1. Save Energy
- Leaking siding and windows / Wet Insulation: Complete gutter and downspout systems properly installed and working (not overflowing) help prevent siding and windows from leaking and soaking the insulation between the walls. The “R” factor of heat and cool drops to “O” with wet insulation…. causing energy bills to skyrocket.
2. Conserve Water
- Rainwater Collection: The best/purest water is rainfall caught and collected by a proper gutter system, saved in rain collection and/or drained and directed properly to storage.
3. Products that Contribute to a Safe and Healthy Indoor Environment
- Toxic Mold and Mildew: One of the greatest contributors to mold in a home is uncontrolled rainwater from roofs with NO gutter or with gutter clogged and overflowing. In rainfalls we usually have wind that forces this runoff upward and through soffit vents into attics. All that moisture causes mold to start and then migrate to the structure’s interiors creating unhealthy air in the home or building. A properly designed and installed gutter system can provide the protection needed.
4. Protect Natural Resources
- Products made from Recycled Metal: The typical metals used for seamless or specialty gutter are recycled aluminum, copper or galvalume steel making a durable and non-deteriorating system. Lead free solder should be used in copper installations.
- Avoid Unnecessary Repairs: Installing compatible metal drip edge flashing with new gutters is a must that is overlooked by so many builders – this flashing will keep wood fascia from rotting, causing mold and unnecessary repairs.
- Saving the Landfills: Provided the gutter system is changed in the future, the product is recycled again and not put in our landfills.
5. Reduce Building Impact on the Community
- Avoid Foundation and Structural Damage: Gutter systems mitigate the negative effects of storm water runoff with proper down spouting and drainage control for basements, landscaping and foundation erosion. Landscaping and plantings are protected and saved for the future enjoyment and air quality.
- Low Maintenance products prolong the life of your Home: Keeping gutters clean and free flowing is paramount to the environment; i.e. some form of regular scheduled maintenance or a quality leaf/debris control for the gutters.
It is very important that we in the gutter business teach our salespeople, office and production employees the negative effect of uncontrolled rainwater and motivate them to communicate in a way to inform the consumer of the need for full gutter systems and not just a piece of gutter over the front door.