There are different types of gutters with respect to materials, sizes and styles. We listed here the most common to serve as your quick and easy reference.

Box Gutter

This type of gutter is used mostly on commercial and light industrial buildings because it is capable of holding a large volume of water. Unlike most gutters, box gutters do not hang on the edge of the roof.

Half Round Gutter

The shape distinguishes this type of gutter from other gutter types. It may be made of plastic or metal. Seamless half round gutters are available, which can be installed on the site.

Seamless Gutter

Unlike the traditional sectional gutters, seamless gutters are made and installed on site and have no seams, eliminating most of the causes of leaks. However, they cost more than most sectional gutters.

Fascia Gutter

This one is fixed to a fascia board under the roof. Fascia gutter is customized and affixed to the end of rafter, serving another purpose as fascia board.

Integral Gutter

A style that was popular during the 1960s, integral gutters can hold more rainwater than other gutter types. Its main problem is the potential for leaks since it is inserted between the ends of the fascia and rafters on sloped roofs. Inspection every few years is highly recommended with repairs on the lining to be made every 5 to 10 years.

Copper Gutter

This is an elegant type of gutter that is preferred more for its looks. It costs more – up to 3 time – but is durable and lasts a long time. To ensure a long lifespan, the fasteners must also be made of copper.

Steel Gutter

Galvanized steel is the most common material used for steel gutters. Compared to other materials, steel gutters are heavy to work with, which may not go well with people who prefer to install the gutters themselves.

Aluminum Gutter

This is the most common type of gutter used today. It does not rust and is available in different colors. You can even paint over it. Aluminum gutter may be bought in different thicknesses.

Vinyl Gutter

One of the cheapest gutter materials available and preferred by budget-conscious homeowners. Its drawback is its lack of durability and susceptibility to ultraviolet rays. It is also prone to discoloration.

Wood Gutter

This is not a common type of gutter. You will not normally see one unless you pass by a house undergoing restoration work. Wood gutters were sourced from old growth cedar trees that are no longer widely available today.

People who choose flat or low-sloped roofs for their houses do so because of functionality and aesthetics. A flat roof, like other roof types, has the main function of protecting the house against the elements. In addition, flat and other low-sloped roofs look great on a variety of architectural styles including modern buildings.

While old flat roofs do not last as long as their pitched counterparts, advances in technology over the past decades saw the development of new membranes that can compete with pitched roofs in terms of lifespan. For those interested in knowing the common membranes available in the different types of flat roof solutions, we listed them below.

TPO

Flexible Thermo Polyolefin (TPO) is designed to correct issues associated with other Thermoplastic membranes by possessing better seam, puncture and tear strength. Sales of TPO membrane roofing in the United States exceed all other types of flat roofs. TPO is considered a green product because it can be recycled 100% without chemical byproduct.

EPDM

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber and the most widely-used single-ply roof membranes. It is reasonably-priced and has a warranted lifespan of up to 30 to 50 years when properly applied.

Metal Flat Roof

Metal is ideal for both flat and pitched roofs. Different metals such as steel, zinc, aluminum and copper are used as covers. Although it costs more than other roofing materials, metal more than makes up for the upfront cost by its durability and low-maintenance.

Modified Bitumen

Modifiers such as APP (tactic polypropylene) and SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) are added to enhance the performance of traditional roofing asphalt. APP was added to asphalt bitumen to improve its ageing quality. SBS, on the other hand, improves substandard asphalt and make it flexible like rubber.

Asphalt

Asphalt built-up roof (BUR) membrane uses multiple plies of asphalt-impregnated felt embedded in bitumen. The asphalt is applied on the bitumen while still hot to merge and form a single-piece material. The membrane is laminated several layers (up to four plies) to form a thick material. It is protected from wear and tear and sunlight by embedding crushed stone and other granules on the surface. Unlike other roofing systems, asphalt roof installation is energy-intensive and adds to air pollution.

Turbo Seals

A gel-life membrane composed of 45% recycled tire rubber. It is placed on top of existing asphalt roofs and covered by a sheet membrane.

PVC Roofing

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) membrane roofing is also known as vinyl roofing. Because of its light color that reflects sunlight, PVC roofs are energy efficient. They are also used to waterproof green roofs.

Homeowners nowadays can choose from a wide variety of roof coatings and paints for their homes. Selecting a coating depends on a variety of factors including the material used, style and pitch of the roof.

Which one should you choose if you have an option? The information we provided below should help in your selection.

Acrylic Coatings

These are made of different kinds of acrylic polymer and manufactured to increase the durability of the coating and therefore extend its life. While different colors are available, they come mostly in white because of its reflective quality. Most people prefer acrylic coatings because of their durability and low price.

Proper application of acrylic coatings require at least two coats and may be rolled or sprayed. For best results, the second coating is applied perpendicular to the first. A recoating is also recommended within 2 to 3 years from application.

Asphalt Coatings

Another name for this type of coating is cutback coating. The asphalt component, which is solid at room temperature, is liquefied or “cut back” with the use of a solvent. The process makes it easier to apply the coating on the roof’s surface. Asphalt coatings are sold either in black color or reflective coating of aluminum-finish. Users are advised to observe caution because asphalt coatings usually contain asbestos.

Asphalt Emulsions

These contain different types of organic and inorganic fibers and other fillers that strengthens the coating. The primary component are asphalt particles diffused in water. Clay is used as the bonding element. Asphalt emulsions generally come in brown and black colors although reflective versions are available when titanium or aluminum are added to the mix.

People who prefer asphalt emulsions point to its easy application as a major factor. Applying the coating requires very minimal material and may be accomplished with the use of push broom.

Silicone Coatings

This type of coating is a favorite among environmentalists because it is biodegradable. Silicon coatings are created using solvents and catalyst added to a silicone base, a natural mineral. You can apply the coating using either a roller or spray gun. What make silicon coating stand out from the other types of coatings are its resistance to water ponding for long periods of time and its ability to adhere to different substrates even without the application of a primer. These two qualities of silicone coating make it the best type of coating since they produce both cost-effectiveness and quality.

A gasket offers protection of equipment from harsh environmental effects such as dirt, heat, rain and ice by creating a positive seal between two originally unattached surfaces. To function properly, a gasket must be able to perform different jobs.

Primary Functions of Gaskets

Its primary function is to seal the space between two surfaces to prevent leaks of oil, fluids or gas and contamination of dirt. This is referred to as the gasket’s Ingress Protection (IP) rating.

Another purpose of a gasket is to fill irregularities between attached parts that are not perfectly fitted with each other, thereby presenting a tighter fit.

Different Gasket Types

The degree of protection that gaskets provide depend to a large extent on the materials used in creating gaskets. Some of the most common materials used in manufacturing gaskets include neoprene, silicone, urethane and ethylene propylene diene monomer or EPDM.

Each type of gasket has its own strengths and weaknesses against different environmental conditions and chemicals to which they are exposed to. For instance, polyurethane is considered a good general-purpose material for gaskets because it has a significantly low compression set while an EPDM gasket works best in protecting against the most common industrial chemicals.

IP Rating on Physical and Chemical Properties

The IP rating of a gasket depends on the properties of the gasket, which in turn are determined largely by the materials used in creating the gasket. In terms of physical properties and chemical comparison, EPDM gaskets perform well for its purpose.

Qualities of the Best EPDM Gasket

EPDM gasket is made from synthetic elastomer rubber that delivers exceptional performance. Because of its outstanding qualities, EPDM gaskets have far-ranging applications, including appliance hose, belts, electrical insulation, washers, radiators, speakers and roofing membrane.

Based on tests and actual use of the product, it has been found to have the following desirable traits:

• Wide temperature range. It maintains stability at high temperatures and cold climate. Its remains effective through temperature range of -50°C to 150°C.
• Water proof. It is unaffected by cold and hot water.
• Resistant. EPDM is resistant to ageing, oxidation, ultraviolet light, ozone, ordinary diluted acids and alkalis.
• Color-Stable. It does not stain PVC window frames.
• Good Fit. Low compression set and good fit on the assembly. Compression set refers to the resulting deformation of a gasket after the application of force and its removal.

Choosing the Best EPDM Gasket

If you are looking for an EPDM gasket, bear in mind the desirable qualities mentioned above. The best EPDM gasket should have all these qualities and more. It must possess both physical and chemical resistance as well as the ideal compression set.