Blog: Gutter

Gutters may look simple, but proper installation requires careful planning. A gutter system needs the right size, slope, hanger spacing, downspout placement, roof edge detail, and drainage path.

Gutters and roof edges work together to move water away from the home. When they perform properly, rainwater and snowmelt flow from the roof into the gutter system, through the downspouts, and away from the foundation.

Gutters are an important part of every commercial building’s exterior system. They collect rainwater and snowmelt from the roof and move it away from the building.

Gutters may not be the most noticeable part of a home, but they play a major role in protecting the exterior. A properly working gutter system directs rainwater and snowmelt away from the roof edge, siding, windows, fascia, soffit, landscaping, foundation, and basement areas.

After a hailstorm, most homeowners think about roof damage first. While the roof is important, siding and gutters also take direct impact during severe weather. Hail can crack vinyl siding, dent metal components, damage trim, loosen panels, and affect how gutters move water away from the home.

Gutters are designed to catch water from the roof and direct it safely away from the home. When water spills over the front of the gutter, the problem is usually easy to see.

Winter weather can be tough on a roof. Snow, ice, freezing rain, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles can place stress on shingles, flashing, gutters, roof edges, attic ventilation, and drainage systems.

Winter weather can be hard on gutters. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can add weight, block drainage, and pull gutter systems out of position. Once gutters are damaged, they may not move water away from the home properly when snow melts or heavy rain arrives.

Heavy rain can quickly reveal problems with a home’s gutter system. If gutters are clogged, loose, leaking, or pitched incorrectly, water may overflow near the roof edge, run down siding, pool near the foundation, or enter areas where it should not.

Gutters are supposed to collect roof water and move it toward the downspouts. But if the gutter pitch is wrong, water may not move at all. Instead, it can sit in the gutter, spill over the edge, leak through seams, or freeze during cold weather.