How Are Gutters Measured And Attached To Your House?
Proper gutter sizing plays a critical role in the performance of your gutters. If they are too small, water will spill over the edges and cause structural problems. If they’re too narrow, runoff water may miss the gutters altogether, which can be nearly as bad as having no gutters at all.
To calculate your gutter size, you must consider overflow capacity, roof drainage, rainfall intensity, and downpipe parameters.
Measuring the Length and Width
The first step involves measuring the length and width of the gutter run. The installer will run the tape measure from one corner of the fascia to the other. They’ll continue around the perimeter of your home until they have the measurements of the total length and width of the gutter.
The width will be multiplied by the length to find the area. The sum of all areas will then be multiplied by 2 to get the total square footage of the gutter’s drainage area.
Accounting for the Roof Pitch Factor and Rainfall Intensity
The pitch of your roof and your area’s maximum rainfall intensity will determine your gutter’s overflow capacity. As a general rule of thumb, a steeper roof should be fitted with larger gutters because it collects more rainwater. An experienced local roofer will know the area’s climate and understand what size of gutter you need to match or exceed the expected runoff.
The Process of Gutter Installation
Before the installation, your contractor will inspect the fascia board and make repairs or replacements if necessary. Gutter brackets will then be screwed to the fascia. A good rule of thumb is to space them 2 feet apart to ensure the gutters don’t sag when it rains.
Then, the long piece of your seamless gutter is hoisted up and laid into the brackets. The back edge is slipped into the hooks at the top of the brackets. Connecting the downspout to the gutter is the last step of your gutter installation process.
Let the Pros Handle Your Gutter Installation
You may be a DIY enthusiast, but installing gutters is not the same as installing a peel and stick backsplash. Just one miscalculation or installation error and you’ll have wasted time and money on an ineffective gutter system which can compromise your home’s protection against water damage. Without proper skills or experience, you run the risk of falling from the ladder or injuring yourself in some other way.
At Couto Construction, we’re here to help you avoid the hassles and headaches of DIY gutter installation. We provide reliable gutter installation, repair, and cleaning services in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.