How Should Your Gutters Be Installed?
Gutters play a critical role in collecting rainwater and channeling it away from your home’s foundation through downspouts. However, the installation has to be correct for your gutter system to function efficiently and minimize clogs. This is why it is best to entrust this work to an experienced professional instead of attempting to do it yourself.
Although going the DIY way may save you a few bucks on the front end, any mistakes you make will result in serious water damage to your home, costing you a lot more in the long run. Here is how gutters should be installed to avoid potential problems down the line:
1. Choosing the Right Gutter Size
The right size of your gutters will depend on the roof pitch and the quantity of rainfall your area receives. As a general rule of thumb, a steeper roof pitch collects more rainwater and should be fitted with larger gutters. Only experienced roofers will correctly determine the right size of gutters and downspouts for your home.
2. Spacing Gutter Hangers Correctly
When installing gutters, the gutter hangers supporting them shouldn’t be spread too far apart. Otherwise, the gutters might sag as soon as it rains. As a general rule, the gutter hangers should be spaced at a maximum of 3 feet apart. If your home is in colder climates, the hangers should be spaced a maximum of 2 feet apart due to the additional support needed to offset the extra weight from snow and ice.
3. Accounting for Roof Pitch
Gutters should have a sufficient slope to allow rainwater to flow smoothly to the downspouts. If the slope is too steep, rainwater will rush into the downspouts and most likely overflow. On the flip side, if the pitch is too low, water will likely pool in parts of the gutter trough. An experienced gutter contractor knows how to take these factors into consideration when installing your system.
4. Correct Installation of Downspouts
If the downspouts are not affixed properly or are installed in the wrong location, water might seep into your home’s foundation or even destroy your facade. Ideally, the downspouts should divert water 8 to 10 feet away from the foundation. Before finalizing the gutter installation, you should also make sure the fascia and drip edge are in good shape to prevent water damage and rot.
Why You Should Leave Gutter Installation to the Professionals
Your gutter system is the first line of defense against rain for your roofing system. Any installation error, which is very likely in DIY projects due to the complexity of gutter installation, will leave your roof vulnerable to water damage. Any savings you might make from labor costs will ultimately be offset by high repair and replacement costs in the long run. Besides, installing gutters on your own poses risks of falls from high ladders.
Entrust your gutter installation needs to Couto Construction in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island. Our professionals are specialized in gutter and retractable awning installations. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!