Screws are so commonplace in all manner of building projects that they tend to get overlooked. In gutter installation, the choice of gutter screws is important. In today’s post, your provider of the best gutter covers, Gutter Helmet® of Eastern Shore, discusses why your contractor’s choice of gutter screws is important.
Rusting
Zinc-plated screws are commonly used for gutter installation. While they do a good job of fastening gutter hangers, they do not last long. Prolonged exposure to the elements wears out the zinc plating and exposes the steel core, which will then succumb to rusting, a tell-tale sign of which is the “weeping” rust stains that are clearly visible against light-colored finishes.
Make it a practice to ask your gutter contractor what kind of screws they will be using on your gutters. Stainless steel screws are ideal because they’re just as strong yet won’t rust when exposed to the elements. In addition to keeping your gutters secure, it also makes it easier to remove the screws in the future when needed; other kinds of screws are nearly impossible to drive out when they’ve rusted.
Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process that occurs when two different types of metal come in contact with each other under an electrolyte. Screws made of certain metals may be reactive with the gutters and result in galvanic corrosion over time, considering that gutter screws are in constant contact with rainwater — water being a type of electrolyte. Painting over the screw heads does not protect the gutters from galvanic corrosion.
A knowledgeable gutter contractor would use screws made with the same metal as the gutters, as is the case with copper and stainless steel gutters. It helps to ask the contractor what kind of screws they will be using: in the absence of screws made of the same metal as the gutters, they should choose screws with similar electropotential as the gutters, which will help keep galvanic corrosion to a minimum.
Gutter Helmet® of Eastern Shore is your leading provider of the best gutter covers on the market, Gutter Helmet®. Give us a call at (866) 333-8150. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Salisbury, Maryland, and the surrounding communities.
