Rain gutter accessories is a term that covers all the things you need to install a gutter system. You will need nails, screws, caulk, brackets, fittings, down spouts, and the tools to install a gutter if you want to do it yourself. Gutters are a slightly intimidating DIY project, but they are easily doable for any enthusiast as long as you take care to install all the components carefully.
Gutters are almost like an open air plumbing system in many respects. Internally, the gutter system needs to be waterproof and sport zero leaks. This is because the purpose of gutters, and all rain gutter accessories, is to prevent running water from damaging your eaves and foundation. The gutter is supposed to take the rainwater and channel it to the down spouts, which spout the water safely away from your home’s foundation, preventing water damage over time. If the system has leaks in it, the water isn’t being kept away from your home, and you open yourself to the possibility of the very damage gutters are supposed to avoid.
Some gutter accessories, such as brackets, flashing, and caulk make it their direct priority to prevent potential leaks. Flashing is the material that interfaces between the edge of the roof and the gutter itself, creating a moisture barrier so that the water flows over the flashing instead of seeping down into the tiny gap that it covers. Brackets hold the gutter securely in place so that it is flush against the roof, and also has a slight angle to it to promote water flow. Caulk fills the spots where pieces of the gutter are joined to each other to create a watertight seal and prevent leaking at the seams.
