Blackstone Exteriors

Gutters play a key role in keeping your home safe and dry. To do this, gutters need to be properly placed to ensure reliable performance. In today’s post, the local gutter and siding contractors at Blackstone Exteriors share insight on the importance of proper gutter placement.

What Happens When You Have Poorly-Placed Gutters?

Gutters are in place to route rainwater runoff away from the roof’s edge and the house foundations. Since they do not utilize pumps, gutters rely on gravity and a correct slope to ensure an efficient flow. If the gutter troughs are steeply sloped, the runoff would flow too fast and overflow before it reaches the downspouts. If it’s flat, it would result in standing water in the gutters, which can cause corrosion, as well provide a breeding area for insects and other pests.

You can check your gutters for signs of poor installation, even without climbing the roof. Some of the most common signs, seen from the ground, include loose fasteners, uneven troughs, and water stains on the siding and windows. Water stains may also be present on the fascia, or the boards behind the gutters where the fasteners are attached to. If you can climb the roof edge and view the gutter troughs, you may notice standing water within.

Signs of Proper Gutter Installation

The conditions described above underline the importance of having your gutters built by a professional gutter and roof replacement contractor. Some of the earmarks of properly-installed gutters include:

• Gutters are placed as close to the shingles as possible. This helps make sure that the gutter troughs catch all of the runoff with minimal splashing.

• The back of the gutter troughs should rest behind the drip edge. This creates a gap that prevents capillary action that would otherwise let water into the roof.

• The gutters should have a gradual slope towards the downspouts.

If your gutters are showing signs of improper installation, our gutter and siding replacement professionals at Blackstone Exteriors can help. Give us a call at (515) 720-2158, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.