When it comes to installing gutters on your house, there are many things to keep in mind. As a homeowner, you should think about things from materials to the most fitting gutter profile. One aspect that should be discussed prior to installing gutters is the size and dimensions. These two features are defining factors because they will be important for the gutter to work right. Keeping that in mind, if you do not have a professional contractor in charge of the project, it can be difficult to remember all the measurements involved in the installation process.
Most homeowners understand the purpose of gutters: they catch the rain that is falling from your roof onto your property and steer it directly down a drainage path. The gutters stop the water from pooling around your home’s foundation and soil, stopping expensive structural problems from happening that could put the stability of your house in danger. Although gutters involve a straightforward process, you cannot ignore all the size specifications. If miscalculated, the gutters may be ineffective and prompt major damage on your home’s roof and walls.
Defining Your Gutter’s Size
Gutters must be positioned just right to catch the water coming off your roof. It is common for homeowners who install gutters themselves to leave too big of a gap between the roof and the siding. This can lead to spills, peeling paint, and possible roof and fascia damage. Your home’s architecture and the local climate play a role in defining the right size to hold as much water as possible. The following are important measures that you or the contractor need to focus on.
- The gutter needs to go a little past your roof’s shingles. Three-fourths of the gutter’s width should extend past the shingles to catch the water and direct it correctly down the downspouts.
- The gutter needs to be 2 to 3 inches away from your roof’s edge. The exact number is determined by the roof’s pitch and where the downspouts are placed.
- The gutter needs to be slightly inclined with a slope of about ½ inch towards the downspouts for every 10 feet. On average, the length of a gutter is usually around the 20-feet mark.
- The gutter needs to sit behind the drip edge to stop water from going through the gap and into your siding.
The Importance of Measuring Properly
Ignoring or missing any of the steps listed above will cause water to go behind the gutters. Your home’s walls would get soaked after every rainstorm, as well as there would be nothing to stop the ongoing damage it would create on your soil and foundation.
Another problem that could arise from not measuring correctly is that the water doesn’t run like it should which can affect your roof instead of following the gutter’s drainage route. If the gutters are not attached to the edge, the water will not be redirected correctly to the downspouts. The possible outcome could be rotten fascia resulting in expensive repairs to your roof and gutter replacement.
An overtly slanted gutter is a common outcome of DIY methods along with too many seams that could cause your gutter to leak in many places. When there are errors caused while the seams are screwed in place or the placement of hangers is incorrect, the gutters can become unstable causing them to tilt forward or begin sagging after a while.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Installer
Installing a gutter is much more difficult than most homeowners realize. It is also a potential safety hazard when you understand the process on a surface level. When hiring a professional, all the materials and equipment will be provided, saving you time, and ensuring the best quality. A professional will also be able to recognize any structural factors that come with your property and adapt their processes appropriately.
Get the best gutters in the St. Louis area and protect your home’s value by hiring the professionals at GutterPros. We are here to provide you with high quality customer care as well as help you at each step of the gutter installation phase. Call us today at (314) 656-7195 to speak to one of our dedicated employees and for a free estimate!