Whatever age of the house is, contemporary new roofs will always give the house a brand new look. In fact, new roofs are very significant to the overall design of the house. When people describe a particular house, the roofs are always the very first part of the house that is recognized. For this reason, having a well-designed roof will play a big role in improving the overall architectural design of the house. In here, we will look into various roofing designs and templates that make every residence in the US look good. Elegance and grandeur will always surface when a good quality roof is installed in your home.

Elegant new roofs

When playing with new roofs design, there are plenty of rooms of designing a roof. The most common way of making an elegant roofing design is to play with it architectural design. Modern architects are so talented in plotting and drawing different roofing designs that are very out of this world yet elegant. Top architects from around the world are able to make new roofs design for celebrities and renowned people around the world. Another concept of an elegant roof is a multipurpose roof. This may look very ode but multipurpose roofs have unique designs. An example of multipurpose roof is a roof with solar panels and wind turbines attached to the roof in a very artistic manner. This kind of roof does not only enhance the overall design of the house but also helps homeowners save a lot of money from paying electric bills. Complicated roofing design is also considered elegant when the roofing material are made from good quality sources such as marbles and other rare materials directly imported from other countries.

This is very commonly seen on houses were rich and famous faces resides. Making the roof as the focal point is another interesting way to design a roof. Some roofs are lighted and decorated so that visitors will be astonished when they see the roof. This is also a very good way of adding style to the house without altering the building itself. Furthermore, some houses are built with a completely flat roofing design. It like hallow box with the interior of the house placed at the center. This may look so weird but there are houses in the US that are built this way.

How to design new roofs

Looking for a design can be very hard especially if you do not have any background in arts and architecture designing. To make it simple, the first step to make is to find a nice roofing shape that will suit the base of the house. Play with color and add some space on the roof to be used as an additional room or attic for instance. Before finalizing the projects, do some final sketching and designing before showing to a contractual that will polish everything for you. Gather some ideas from the internet or look into various architectural designs in other countries when making new roofs plan.

During the winter season, a residential roofer is an apparent victim of heavy downpour of snow, which can destroy the overall integrity of the roof. Especially if the roof is made during the late ninety’s, it is more prone to damage. This is because, the old method of roofing design is less insulated, and made from low quality materials. This allows water from ice to penetrate into the roof and into the foundation of the house. During times of severe snowfall, roof damage is being expected. For this reason, it is important to change traditional residential roofer to a new one. Modern types of residential roofer are now made from durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions. Some residential roofer is equipped with sophisticated technology that melts ice and allows it to drain through the gutter. Radiant heating systems prevent ice from accumulating on roofs, which can add weight and damage the roof. Water leaks can be inevitable if ice is not controlled immediately. This can rot woods, which can lead to future problems. In the northern areas, it is very common that snow will accumulate on roofs. However, there are known ways to prevent ice or somehow control the amount of ice that accumulates on the roof. These ways are focusing on the design of the roof rather than using advance methods to eliminate ice formation.

Residential roofer designs

On places that experience heavy snowfall, homeowners will tend to design their roofs as simple as possible. This will produce the best support against heavy snow buildups and reduce the amount of snow that gets trap on the roof. To begin with, lower the upper part of the roof since this is prone to heavy snow buildup. As much as possible, avoid these areas because it can instantly damage the roof’s integrity. Furthermore, roofs must be designed to have more extensions away from the wall of the house. This will prevent melted ice to flow directly into the foundation of the house. The slope angle of the roof is also a factor in ice buildup. Keeping it higher will allow ice to fall instantly through gravity. Especially when metal roofs are used, ice can instantly slide down the roof. Also, avoid roofs that are textured since it can be hard for the ice to fall down. Failing to do one of the following will make your house like a gigantic snow Popsicle. Gutters and roofs will collapse; the entire foundation of the house will also be affected when snow is not controlled.

Overall, heavy downpour of snow can sometimes be unpreventable. Even a residential roofer that is built for snow will sometime fail to meet its purpose. In severe cases, the best method to control the amount of snow on a residential roofer is to use a shovel and make your way out from the thick layer of snow. From these methods, the most important thing to do first is to solve the problem immediately because it will significantly save a residential roofer.

In countries, that experiences extreme temperatures, ventilation must be considered when thinking about new roofing replacement. Ventilation is important to maintain the integrity of the roof. Extreme high temperatures will increase energy consumption because air-conditioning systems tends to work twice to meet the cooling setting. On the other hand, ventilation is also important on cold temperatures because moisture will damage wood and metal components in a roof. In more extreme conditions, ice will accumulate on the roof, which will significantly damage the entire roofing material. For this reason, any house built today is encouraged to place any type of ventilation system. This way, modern houses are assured that roofing material’s life span will be extended. Roof contractors are very helpful to attach ventilation system to the roof. However, there are myths concerning roof ventilation that most people find disturbing. Let us go over some of these myths.

Roofing replacement myths

More vents are better – When homeowner think about installing new roofing replacement for old roofs, almost all of them will think that the more vents installed, the better is the ventilation. Just like any other roofing accessory, having the right number of vents is essential for optimum benefits. Too much vents will more or less do the opposite. For instance, in cold season, too much ventilation will allow cold air to enter and creates moisture. On the other hand, air conditioning system inside the house will be sucked up by the vents making them work harder. Ideally, there is a right number of vents depending on the size and width of the roof. In every three hundred square feet of roofing space, it will require one vent.

Ventilation is only beneficial during hot climates – Some people may think that hot air will be vented out during the summer, which leads to a relaxed and cool living space. However, when using air conditioning systems, the cool air will be vented out by the vents. This will in return increase the workload of the air-conditioning systems. Vents are also important during the winter because it keeps moisture away. The benefits of vents during the winter are much better than the benefits it provides during the summer.

Best ventilation systems are those run with electricity – This may be partly true since exhaust fans effectively create a negative air pressure in the room, which allows cold air outside to be sucked inside. However, on larger scale, exhaust fans may not be as effective as it is. Mechanical ventilations are better because hot air rises and escapes through the vent. The continuous rotating motion of mechanical vents will continues to allow hot air to escape and cool air to come in. this is very effective for larger areas because it has higher amount of hot hair rising.

Having the right vents on your new roofing replacement will remarkably offer the best result when it comes to ventilation. To have the best type of vents installed on your roofing replacement, hire a group of experts that can assess and calculate the number of vents that you need for your new roofing replacement.

A roofing replacement is needed when the roof of a certain house seems too old and too worn out. In order to protect the house from the elements outside, a roof has to be sturdy so as to withstand adverse weather conditions. When a roof starts to have holes, and drips of water drop out of the ceiling when it rains, that is one of the signs that you might be in need of a roofing replacement. A roofing replacement, as what the phrase itself connotes, is a roofing material installed on a house replacing the old worn out roof. There are several points you need to consider before placing a roofing replacement. There are also some tips you need bear in mind when looking for a roofing replacement.

The Need for Roofing Replacement

How does one know that his or her house is in need of a roofing replacement? Before rushing into things, it is practical to first assess your roof’s condition. This way, you can see and evaluate the condition of your roof if it really does need a roofing replacement. There are times when you think that your roof is already too old or needs a roofing replacement because when it rains, there are drips on your ceiling. Although this can be a sign that your roof is in need of a roofing replacement, this can also just be a small problem which can be fixed with a simple roof sealing product. Usually leaks can be covered up by high quality roof sealants. However, when you assessed your roof’s condition, and you saw that your roof is in really bad shape, then it might be time for you to get a roofing replacement. It is also good to ask for advice from professionals and see what they think about your roof’s condition if you really need a roofing replacement or not. Keep in mind to check your roof’s condition as soon as possible so as not to cause any more damages and prevent from any further complications that can the other parts of your house.

Finding a Roofing Replacement

When you finally decided that your house really needs a roofing replacement, the next step is to find one. Finding a good roofing replacement can be really easy. Most hardware stores have professionals that can help you with choosing the kind of roofing replacement that suits you. There are a lot of roofing replacement choices that you can choose from in the market. It can serve you a lot of good if you do some researching yourself in the internet so that you will know what the options are and what you want for a new roof. It saves you time when you’ve already seen your choices before going to the store itself. In choosing a roofing replacement, always consider the type of house that you have, the materials used on your house, your budget, and the quality of the roofing replacement material that you will purchase.

Almost every roof has a predetermined life span and roofing replacement is ideally the only best solution for roofs that has reached its estimated service life span. Although a roof’s life span would depend on some environmental factors such as rain, humidity, climate, location, type of roofing material, roof style and the slopping of the roof. Generally, some homeowners prefer to do roofing replacement with roofs with the same life span. In this way, they won’t be replacing their roof one at a time. The importance of roofing replacement would ensure home owners that they always get a reliable protection against environmental factors that are protected by roofs. A common question by some home owner is when would roofing replacement take place actually? For some, it is not important to wait for your roof to leak or show some indication of wear and tear. Roofing replacement should be done as soon as the roof has reached it ideal life span.

Indications that requires roofing replacement

The indications that the roofs have reached its predetermined life span would vary depending on the type of roofing material. Basically, roofs that are made from stronger materials like metals would last for more than fifty years. On the other hand, roofs made out of asphalt, or wooden shakes or shingles would only last for ten to twenty years in service. The typical roof would ideally last for thirty to fifty years according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. When proper roof maintenance is applied, the need for new roofing replacement would be extended. Roofing maintenance would include a yearly inspection and repainting. Indications that would require roofing replacement would include dents, uncontrollable leaks, severe damage, rust and unfixable cracks. Taking these indications of roofing replacement for granted would lead to catastrophic roof collapse that would endanger the people in the house. That is why, roofing replacement is essential in every roof owner. On the other hand, roofing replacement would require professional care. Roof contractors can be hired to replace a roof that has already served its purpose and requires replacement. In looking for roof contractors, you can visit your local hardware store and they can recommend professional roof contractors who have a wide knowledge regarding home roofs.

Considerations in roofing replacement

Once you have already contacted roof contractors for roofing replacement. Always take into account the type of roof material to be replaced. Make sure to use roofs with the same material and the same life span. Furthermore, always take note on how your rood is installed. Proper overlapping of the roof would ensure tight waterproof ability. Isolating material should also be considered since this would isolate the inside of the house from heat or cold temperature from the outside environment. Although contracting professionals for roofing replacement can be very expensive, it is still worth the pay since doing it yourself can be difficult and might cost more money if don’t do it right. Roofing replacement is just one home maintenance that you need to spend large amount of money for it.

The use of metal roof has been the number one choice for home roofing material because of its light yet sturdy construction. Aside from the fact that metal roof is cheap it is also easy to install and does not require much man power to build a house with metal roof. A metal roof is typically made of thin sheets of galvanized steel that is placed overlapping each other. Overtime metal roof wear out because of environmental factors. However, with proper roof maintenance, you can slow down the wearing out of metal roof. Proper metal roof maintenance is essential because this would save you much money. Although some metal roof are already coated with Galvalume that do not need maintenance related to wearing down. However, metal roof owners must still do monthly metal roof maintenance check for leaks, dent and tears that can affect the integrity of the metal roof. Let us take a closer look on the different metal roof maintenance to prolong the life of your metal roof. Here are some helpful tips that you can do to check your roof’s condition and maintain its integrity.

Types of metal roof

Metal roof are made of steel, tin, copper, and aluminum which has special maintenance instruction to prolong its life. Here are some of the basic ways to maintain metal roof made out of these materials. However, the most effective way to maintain the integrity of a metal roof is to keep it clean as much as possible. Keeping it free from dirt and bird droppings would ensure that your roof would last. Proper cleaning would prevent the build-up of algae, mold and mild dew.

Taking care of metal roof

Applying these simple metal roof maintenance tips will ensure you that your roof can last up to 40 years.
1. Metals react with each other. In using metal roof, make sure that you use the same metal composition. In this way, metal to metal chemical reaction would be avoided which can lead to corrosion and decrease your metal roof life span.
2. Keep painted side up to keep rust from penetrating the painted part. Use paint that has anti rust protection to keep your metal roof rust free.
3. When you detect holes or uneven metal roof placement, repair them right away.
4. Use water proof water sealer or solder to seal small holes on the metal roof.
5. When using nails or screw to secure, take into consideration the type of metal composition of the nail or screw. Use screw or nail with the same metal composition of your metal roof.
6. When using washers to secure the roof, make sure that you place the washer on top of the screw and not below because water can accumulate on the washer and would lead to leakage and corrosion.
7. Additional reminders, depending on the type of roof, use non corrosive resin flux for metal roof made of steel and acid flux for metal roof made of copper. And always take note that aluminum cannot be soldered.

Roofing replacement is an essential step to maintaining your home. After years of use, the weather has taken its toll upon your roof and then you know you would need roofing replacement. A damaged roof can cause hundreds of dollars of damage to our home and let’s face it, it is the most essential part of your house hence, we cannot stress enough the importance of roofing replacement and not let it things be as it is. What might ask, what about roofing repais? No, repair will only get you so far but we do admit not every homeowner does not find it a really hassle task to do roofing replacement especially when you are choosing between professional roofing contractors, it will only be troublesome in the beginning but you will not regret it later on.

Roofing replacement: What to do?

The first thing to do when doing roofing replacement is to first get a roofing contractor and letting him do an estimate on the budget. If you already have an idea then, good. However, we do not advice you to stick on one company, we highly recommend that you canvas first the prices, the services ad that they are licensed within the state you have your house in. The reason for this is that roofing replacement can be complicated or easy depending on the task done. However, pricing is subjective and you might get a better deal with another contractor to do roofing replacement compared to your first option.

Roofing replacement: What to do next?

What you finally have an estimate cost of your roofing replacement project and you are surprised at the outcome, you have to consider that the size and slope of the roof and the materials that they are going to use, can really affect the final cost of your roofing replacement. The height of your roof will also matter like for example if you don’t have a bungalow style house but instead you have a two storey or more house, then it would be more expensive for your roofing replacement. So before you start out your project with your chosen contractor, you have to have the budget ready just in case. But if you frequently do roofing replacement, it may be because of the weather in your place hence, it means you need to get better roofs. Though more expensive, at least you won’t do roofing replacement often.

Summing it all up, before you choose your roofing contractor, always and we do mean ALWAYS ask for a reference if it is the first time you requested a roofing replacement from them. Ask also if there might be unforeseen costs in your roofing replacement so you won’t be caught off guard.

Then when you have agreed with your contractor, agree on what type of roofing materials you need to get for your roofing replacement. Again, it depends on your place so also inquire which is the less likely to get damaged with the weather of your state. Better invest on something expensive than always getting a replacement later on which will cost you more in the long run.

Once you have completed your roofing replacement, make sure you ask them to clean up all fallen debris and shingles to prevent accidents with your family. So there, these are the things you need to look out for when you are doing roofing replacement.

Houses built in the late fifty’s has roof designs that cannot last for long thus new roofs must be built in order to make the house livable once again. Since roofs cover the upper most portions of the houses and buildings, it serves as the primary protection against extreme climates and UV rays. When we talk about different roofs designs, it varies remarkably depending on the era it was built.  A roof that is built in the old times are not that sturdy enough to withstand years of climate abuse, new roofs today are built to last for decades over the harsh weather conditions.  New roofs have different designs that offer more protection and are built to last for years. Modern houses are also equipped with new roofs that have special features that cannot be found in conventional roofing systems. However, new roofs may be very expensive and seem impractical to use if you live in a country wherein climate are not really a concern. Roof restoration is also a good alternative for families or building owners who have a tight budget on building maintenance. In this article, we will take a short overview on new roofs design that can really change the way roofs are presented. On the other hand, we would also take a look on roof restoration methods.

Top new roofs design

Transform your house into a modern one just by replacing your roof with new roofs design. During the start of the century, new roofs are being introduced to modern houses. Such roofs are built to a point that it can be called as a modern roof. The following are just some of the modern roofs that you can see on some houses in the US.

1.       Roofs with solar panel attached. This roof offers a greener source of electricity. Although this new roofs can be costly, the amount of money that can be save from electricity bills are significantly higher.

2.       Roofs that are made of recycled material. Research is done to reduce trash in the society. Creators are able to come up with an eco-friendly roofing material that is almost the same with conventional roof when it come to design but the durability is higher and it cost less.

3.       New roofs are also designed to catch rain and promote ventilation. In this way, modern houses equipped with new roofs can be able to save much on water bills and air conditioning systems.

Restored: look like new roofs

There are different ways to restore a roof. There are companies who cater roof restoration to make you roofs look brand new. Such restorations are focused on color restoration, roof type restoration, terracotta tile roof restoration and new look restoration. These are just the basic roof restorations that can be done to reduce the cost in replacing the whole roof. The result of roof restorations are being tested to look as if it is brand new. the durability of every roof restored assures the owner that they get the best new roofs restoration.

Roof repair scams are on the increase nationwide. This year (2010) in Missouri alone, the attorney general’s office has reviewed 90 complaints about a single roofing company who has taken Missourian’s for thousands of dollars. Fraudulent companies have perfected scams to take your hard-earned money and leave you with nothing to show for it but a bogus invoice and a phone number to a voice mail box they will never check.

It’s a sad reality today but as a home owner you need to be prepared to take pro-active steps before you hire anyone claiming to be a legitimate roofing contractor. Don’t be fooled into putting down a deposit or worse yet paying up front for services and materials that you may never see. Don’t be fooled by a professional presentation either. The single roofing company being investigated in Missouri has a very professional pitch, will present you with a stack of official looking paperwork and will leave you and your wallet without anything to show for your trusting them and giving them a down payment. It’s true that some legitimate companies require down payments for large jobs; however, too often it can mean there is a potential for loss with the work never getting done.

Granted, it can be a bit more challenging when you find yourself facing an emergency roofing repair job; however, there are still a few things you need to check before you sign your check, taking the time to follow these simple rules can and will save you heart-ache and humiliation.

For instance, your antenna should start to twitch if you find that you didn’t have to go looking for the roofing contractor, they just happened to come to you. Often victimized home owners are sought out instead of them doing the looking for a roofing repair company. The tricky part of this approach is that you haven’t had the opportunity to ‘check them out’ before they’ve checked you out. So beware of contractors who are in the area offering their services. Now, not all of them offering their services are crooked; I had a great experience with a roofing contractor who knocked on my door, but you can bet I checked them out real close before I even scheduled an appointment with them.

Besides asking for money up front to perform your roof repairs and then never showing up to start the work, there are lots of other scams out there. Here’s a common set of tactics you should watch out for that involves your insurance company, this looks really legitimate until the very end:

1. A representative from the crooked company will ask you to sign a release prior to inspecting the roof. They’ll tell you this is normal. Signing this form allows the crooked roofing contractor to “act as an agent for the homeowner regarding the roof”
2. After the roof has been inspected they’ll tell you that your home owners insurance will cover the costs of repairing the roof. You’ll be so happy! And that’s what they want you to be at this point.
3. Now the ‘magic’ of the scam starts to kick in. The scamming roofing company will give you some instructions. They’ll tell you to ask your insurance company to have an adjuster come out and estimate the cost of the repairs
4. The insurance company will do their job; and everything looks legitimate. They will probably even send you a check for the repair work to get performed.
5. Now all the scamming company has to do is get you to sign the check over to them and they promise to put you on the schedule for repairs.
6. They never show up…

So how do you avoid becoming a victim of a roofing repair scam, no matter how it’s spun? Well the simple answer is hire a legitimate, experience roofing contractor who can give you a written estimate, professional advice and worry-free installation. How do you accomplish that? By being armed with a simple checklist and checking off each point you’re on your way to a safe, professional roof repair. Here’s a list that contains the minimum list of items you should watch for:

1. Does the roofing contractor have a good reputation? Bes sure to always ask for references and check them out!
2. Never sign documents on the spot! Make sure you understand every word and condition in the contract. If you’re unsure about something have a family friend explain it to you, or consult an attorney before you sign.
3. Does the roofing contractor have adequate insurance coverage?
4. Does the roofing contractor know, explain and comply with local building codes?
5. Does the roofing contractor commit to supervise the job during all phases of work and inspect it completely when finished?
6. Never pay in full or sign a certificate of completion for a roof repair before the work is completed.
7. It is a common practice for contractors to ask for a portion of the total repair up front to cover costs. Still, If you are asked to pay for more than 1/3 of the total cost before they start work, that’s probably a warning sign.

If your contractor doesn’t past this test, stop and reconsider if you really want to hire them and take the chance of being taken! Don’t become a victim! Take the time to complete this check list and you’ll be one step closer to a great roof repair!

Rain gutters are quiet but critical components of a building’s roofing system. They have the important job of capturing rainwater at the roof edge then controlling and directing it away from the structure. Rain gutters are also called eaves troughs or eaves channel guttering. Rain gutters are designed to help protect your home from the elements. Without rain gutters, rain races down the slope of your roof, splashes down against your siding, windows, doors, and foundation, erodes soil around your foundation, and gets into basements and crawl spaces. Rain gutters are one of the best investments a homeowner can make. Not only do they help prevent excess settling near the foundation by directing rainwater away from the structure, but they also help preserve painted surfaces around the house by keeping roof water from running over them or splashing up from the ground.

Protection

You could say that rain gutters are the house exterior’s main protection, making them one of the wisest home improvement investments you can make. Rain gutters are attached to facia plates (or to exposed ends of rafters) by a variety of different types of attachments. One of the most common–and presumably the least expensive–type of rain gutter attachment merely comprises a long, common nail and a tubular spacer having a length equal to the inner width of the rain gutter at its top, the nail being substantially longer than the tubular spacer.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless rain gutters are also known as continuous rain gutters and are long overhangs on your roof and your property is evaluated fast inclined, they are essential for the flow of roof of advance far from your house. There are many advantages related to the seamless rain gutters. Seamless rain gutters minimize the possibility of blocked rain gutters and offer better protection against the water damage associated with pooling water and water backing up onto the roof. Seamless copper is available in the above-mentioned sizes as well. Other shapes such as box gutter, fascia gutter, or custom designs are fabricated in our sheet metal shop and installed in 10ft sections.

Seamless Gutter Machines: A seamless gutter machine is a type of roll forming machine that shapes flat metal coil stock to form a rain gutter. Roll forming metal is a technology that dates back about 100 years, although it was not applied to the gutter industry until around 1960. Seamless gutters are usually created on-site at your home by a contractor with a gutter machine. This is easier than transporting big gutter sections in a truck. Choice of Material you can chose rain gutters made from a variety of materials.

Copper Gutters

Copper is the most expensive gutter material, costing $7-$12 per linear foot. Copper will also acquire a greenish patina as it ages, making it a popular choice for period homes. If you prefer the shiny look of new copper, you can buy treated copper that stays as bright as a new penny. Copper gutters are traditional appearance and natural color.

Vinal Gutters

Vinyl is the least expensive material, costing about $1 per linear foot. But vinyl has a low durability. Vinyl is the least expensive material, costing about $1 per linear foot. It can become brittle and break in cold climates, and exposure strong sunlight will cause the vinyl to break down over time. Vinyl is the least expensive material, costing about $1 per linear foot. It can become brittle and break in cold climates, and exposure strong sunlight will cause the vinyl to break down over time.

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum is the most popular material for gutters. Aluminum guttering systems has been enhanced to a significant extent in last few years. Paint used to come out from aluminum gutters before. Aluminum is the most popular material for gutters. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and rust-proof, plus it is available in many colors.

Aluminum gutters come in several colors from which to choose. A baked enamel coating gives the gutters a clean, crisp look with a finish that last for years. Aluminum gutters are the most common type used by far. There are many advantages to using aluminum that are attractive to homeowners everywhere.

Installing Gutters

Installing rain gutters yourself isn’t as difficult as you might think. If you’re a weekend handyman you can do the project yourself on most homes. Install the end caps, splice gutter pieces and make sure that you get the exact length required for the roof of your house. Measure the sections of gutter and cut them to the desirable size. Installing rain gutters is usually an afterthought as most newly built houses do not come with them installed. However if you want to take proper care of your house they are essential.

Downspouts

Downspouts prevent water from pooling beside your foundation and seeping into your basement. Downspouts that are clogged or improperly installed negate any benefits that your rain gutter system is designed to offer. The two main styles of residential rain gutter downspouts are square (rectangular) and round. Downspouts protect the home’s roof, siding and foundation from water damage and help prevent flooding of the home’s basement.

Downspouts and rain gutters are sized in relation to rainfall on this basis. Plumbing codes typically use the vertically projected roof area for drainage design and they often use a square foot allowance per square inch of downspout for 1 in./hr.(25 mm/hr) rainfall that varies with diameter, for example, 3 in.(76 mm): 911(85); 4 in.(102 mm):1100 (102); 5 in.(127 mm):1280 (119);6 in.(152 mm):1400 (130) and 8 in.(203 mm):1750 (163) sq.

Copper rain chains that serve as downspouts, are more known for their aesthetics than for their efficiency to transport water. These appear even more beautiful if you have a garden around the home. But for transporting serious rain water nothing beats a downspout.