What You Need to Know About:
Gutters
Once the roof is complete, clients typically opt to have their gutters replaced as well. And that is the final step to completely water sealing your property, deterring any water damage for decades to come. The reason why Gutters are virtually as important as the roof, is because, without them, all the water that collects on the roof and rolls off, would roll down the exterior wall of the house. Going straight into the homes foundation, causing at best discoloration or small leaks in the basement (foundation) wall. Or at worst, cause foundation cracking, buckling, or bowing, leading to the property shifting completely, until the effected area no longer supports the section of house above it. Installing 5” aluminum gutters on average sized homes should not cost over $5k, typically. While an average size foundation repair can cost upwards of $20k, depending on the damage.
How Could Not Installing Gutters RUIN Your Home?
That answer involves water running down your exterior wall, straight off the roof, settling up against your foundation underground. In cold climates where that water has settled, it can freeze in between your foundation and the backfill. When water freezes above the frost line of 42” it expands, and over time, after enough expanding and contracting, your foundation walls may begin to bow or crack. Leading to the joists and exterior wall resting on the foundation wall to shift in some way. We often see this in block foundations walls.
It’s All in the Pitch
In order for Gutters to function properly the must installed at the right pitch or slope. This step is crucial and often looked over by many contractors.
Each house is different so so the sizing of gutters whether they be your standard 5” or 6” depends on the sqft of roof. That, as well as the placements of downspouts are also critical. To make it easy we have come up with a Gutter cheat sheet to make sure our clients are knowledgeable about the steps we take to ensure quality installation and protection of their home.
