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Tips For Effectively Installing New Gutters (Part I)
Written By: Michael Marchese
10-20-09
Before moving forward with gutter installation, there are several tips and recommendations that should be followed. These installation tips will help ensure that your new system operates effectively for years to come.
1. Determine Your Drip Edge Overhang -- When determining the location of placement, first determine where the roof edge is. It should overhang the gutter by at least 20%, preferably 30%. If it over hangs them by more than this amount, there is a real risk of the precipitation overshooting the assembly and falling directly onto the secondary roof or ground below. This is especially true in regions of the country that tend to have strong storms which result in precipitation exceeding one inch in an hour. If there is not sufficient space available, there is a real risk that the fascia will get dripped on. Overtime, these can lead to fascia deterioration and, ultimately, degradation.
2. Use a Drip Guard -- It is important to make sure that a drip guard is used as part of the system installation. An adequate one can significantly reduce the risk of back splash onto the wall of the building. This will ensure a long and healthy lifetime of fascia performance. More important, it will reduce costly repair or replacement costs in the future.
3. Understand Your Roof Pitch -- The other consideration that must be taken into account is the roofing pitch, relative to the placement of the gutters. The pitch impacts the speed by which the water flows down it into the gutter system. A high pitched angle will create a higher velocity for liquid than a low pitched one. To visually understand the concept, imagine a pitcher of water being poured into a cup. If the rate of flow is inadequate, there is a real possibility of the H2O stream curving inward enough to miss the cup and run down the pitcher instead. If the pitcher is tilted at too great of an angle, the liquid may overshoot the cup. For high pitched roofing designs, it is recommended that wide gutters be employed.
In summary, understanding the angle of the roofing as well as the length of the roofing edge allows for a more effective and efficient installation of a gutter system.
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