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Many residents do not fully understand the importance of gutters. By collecting and carrying water safely away from the home, gutters protect the home in many ways. Most gutter problems are relatively easy to identify if you don’t mind a walk in the rain: leaking gutters, poorly installed gutters, damaged or misplaced downspouts, or clogged gutters. If untreated, these problems can cause other larger problems.
Problems resulting from faulty gutters
Foundation problems. Problem gutters can dump gallons of water directly onto the ground next to the foundation of a house. This water sometimes exacerbates foundation settlement problems. (See
foundation repair contractors section for more information.)
Landscape washout. Many homeowners have experienced damaged landscaping caused by gutter problems.
Undermined driveways, patios, and walkways. Excess water flowing into the ground near the house can erode the dirt directly beneath driveways, patios, and walkways. As the dirt is washed away, the driveway, patio, or walkway is no longer fully supported and can settle, crack, or even collapse. If you have already experienced this type of damage, fix the gutter or downspout problem before replacing or repairing the driveway, patio, or walkway.
Damaged fascia, soffit, or outside wall (Wood structures adjacent to the gutters). Problem gutters can cause damage to a house’s structural integrity by allowing water to damage the fascia, soffit, or wood framing of the house.
Termite colonies. Because termites need water to reproduce and thrive, gutters that dump excess water near the house encourage termite infestation.
Gutter materials
Gutters can be made out of a variety of different materials. Each material has different properties and also different costs.
Aluminum. Aluminum gutters are the most common. They are cost-effective and typically last more than 20 years. Seamless aluminum gutters can be manufactured to fit specific homes and are available in a variety of sizes and designs. However, aluminum gutters are susceptible to dents, such as those inflicted by a ladder. In general, the higher the gauge, or thickness, of the aluminum used to make the gutter, the longer the gutter will last. However, as the thickness of the aluminum increases, so does the cost of the gutter.
Copper. Copper gutters are expensive to manufacture, and installation is labor-intensive. However, many consider the elegant look of copper gutters worth the added cost. The newly installed bright copper acquires its characteristic green color within about ten years. Well-maintained copper gutters can last the life of the house.
Galvanized. Galvanized gutters are steel gutters coated with a layer of zinc. This type of gutter is strong, but is also prone to rust. Galvanized gutters are becoming less common.
Gutter attachment
The two most common methods of attaching a gutter are the gutter spike method and the hidden hanger method.
Gutter spikes. The traditional gutter spike method involves hammering long spikes, which extend through both the front and back of the gutter, into the fascia board and, depending on home construction, the underlying structural members. Some spikes are smooth, while other spikes have ridges or rings to help prevent the spikes from pulling out. One drawback of the method is that the spike heads are visible on the front of the gutter.
Hidden hangers. The hidden hanger method involves fitting a bracket inside the gutter and screwing it to the fascia board. As the bracket does not penetrate the front edge of the gutter, it is hidden from view. Because traditional hidden hangers are attached to the fascia board with relatively short screws, some companies install hidden hangers with straps for extra support. The additional support strap, running from the front of the gutter, is attached to the decking under the shingles.
Spacing is key to successful attachment. No matter what method is used, if the attachments are placed too far apart, they will not adequately support the weight of the gutter. Spacing the attachments too far apart is a shortcut some contractors use.
Drip edge flashing. Drip edge flashing is the flashing that covers the transition point from the sloped roof decking under the shingles to the vertical fascia board. To prevent dripping between the flashing and the gutter and the associated leaks/stains on the fascia board under the gutters, the drip edge flashing should be lifted so that the back surface of the gutter can be installed behind the drip edge flashing. With proper installation of the gutter, water running down the flashing will run into the gutter and not between the gutter and the fascia board.
Gutter sizes
In the past, all gutters and downspouts were five inches. Today six-inch gutters and downspouts are also available. Because the six-inch size clogs less often and is less likely to overflow, it is generally a better choice.
Gutter contractors
Proper gutter installation is not as easy as it might seem. Residents report a variety of installation problems, including incorrect slope toward the downspout. The wrong slope allows water to collect in the gutter. Gutter contractors, like any other company working at the home, should carry liability insurance.
Click here for more information on insurance.
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