The Ultimate Guide To Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are essential components of any home’s water management system. They have one job, and it is an important one – protect the home and its surrounding area from water. These crucial devices are so commonplace, that you might not even notice them. But nonetheless, their role in safeguarding your home’s foundation, preventing water damage, and preserving its structural integrity is paramount!

What Are Gutters and Downspouts?

Honestly, you probably know what gutters and downspouts are, but let’s all get on the same page, just to be sure.

Gutters are channels that run horizontally along a roof’s edge to collect water. These devices effectively catch rainwater and snowmelt as it runs off the roof, funneling it toward the nearest downspout.

Downspouts are the vertical pipes that carry the collected water from the gutters down to the ground and away from the home’s foundation. These two objects work together harmoniously to get the job done.

Why Are Gutters and Downspouts So Important?

Foundation Protection. Gutters and downspouts prevent water from pooling around the base of your home, which can cause foundation cracks and structural issues. Hydrostatic pressure can be a serious threat to the integrity of your foundation wall. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when water gathers up against the foundation, and the force of gravity causes it to exert pressure on the wall. As the pressure increases, the water will make its way through any tiny cracks or openings that may be present. Eventually the fluctuation of temperature can cause these cracks to expand and lead to further structural damage; and in worst-case scenarios, the foundation wall can even bow and fail.

Preserving the Landscape. Proper gutter/downspout systems will help to prevent soil erosion and landscape damage by directing water flow away from your property. Without them, water runoff can flood garden beds and damage plants, leading to costly landscaping repairs.

Preventing Basement Flooding. If there are any small cracks or openings in your foundation wall, water will find its way through. This can potentially lead to flooding and water damage issues. The solution is to use a sufficient drainage system to direct water away from the home.

Preventing Water Damage. Your foundation isn’t the only exterior aspect of the home at risk. Gutters and downspouts will also help to protect parts of the home such as siding, ceilings and windows.

Home Value. Let’s not forget that a protected home is a more valuable home. Installing a reliable drainage system can increase the value of your home because it prevents a variety of maintenance and repair issues.

Types of Gutter and Downspout Systems

K-Style Gutters: These are the most common type, featuring a flat bottom and back with a decorative front that usually resembles crown molding. This style of gutter is easy to install and has a high water-holding capacity. K-style gutters are typically made of aluminum and come in 5 or 6-inch widths.

K-Style Gutters

Half-Round Gutters: These gutters have a semicircular shape, and are known for their smooth interior. This design generally allows for better water flow and less debris buildup. Similar to K-style, half-round also comes in 6 and 5-inch widths.

Custom Gutter: There are number of alternate styles of gutters as well.  These include built-in gutters, which can be integrated into the roof structure. There are also box gutters that are large, rectangular and mainly used on commercial buildings. You can also find milled wooden gutters that are more common in older homes. Custom gutters can be built to match the character of any home, but will often need specialized maintenance and/or repair, and are more costly.

Square Downspouts: These are popular for their sleek, modern look. They can also be easily installed and customized.

Round Downspouts: These are effective at directing water away from your home and are often used with seamless gutters. Their round shape helps to reduce blockages.

Rectangular Downspouts: These are designed for specific gutter systems and are often found in older homes. They tend to have a a more “classic” look.

Downspout Extensions: Downspouts extensions are added to existing downspouts to channel water further away from the foundation. This is especially useful in areas with heavy rainfall, where simply directing water to the ground isn’t enough. They can be made of a variety of materials, flexible or rigid, and are easy to install.

Aluminum downspout extension

Materials Used in Gutter Systems

Aluminum: This is a popular material for modern gutter systems because it is lightweight, rust-resistant, and relatively inexpensive. However, it can dent or bend more easily than other materials.

Copper: Copper gutters are durable and develop a patina over time, which adds a sought after character to the gutters. They are also resistant to rust and corrosion. But they are certainly a more expensive option.

Galvanized Steel: These types of gutters are strong and can withstand heavy snow and ice. They are generally less expensive than copper.

Plastic: Plastic gutters are typically made of PVC or vinyl, making them inexpensive and easy to install. However, they are less durable than metal options, and can become brittle in extreme heat or cold.

Installation Is Important!

Like any other aspect of the house, how and where a gutter system is installed matters.

Gutter Size: The size of your gutters should be chosen based on the square footage of your roof, how steep it is, and the local rainfall intensity. Steeper roofs shed water more quickly, which may require larger gutters.  5-inch K-style gutters are often sufficient for most roofs, but 6-inch gutters may be more optimal for larger roofs or areas with heavier rainfall.

Downspout Size: For 5-inch gutters, 2×3-inch downspouts are recommended, and 3×4-inch downspouts for 6-inch gutters. It’s also important to install a downspout every 30 to 40 feet of gutter, though this may vary depending on the roof size and rainfall.

Downspout Placement: Downspouts should be placed at the corners of your home where possible, and should extend at least four feet away from the foundation, directing the water into an area that slopes away from the house.

Professional vs. DIY Gutter Installation

Gutter and Downspout Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your gutter system functioning properly. Gutters that are not taken care of can cause clogs, leaks, and even structural damage.

It is generally recommended to clean your gutters at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. If you have many trees around your home, you may need to increase the cleaning frequency to 3 or 4 times a year. Make sure to check for debris build up or damage after any severe storms. Remove clogs by hand or with a gutter scoop, and then use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris.

Gutter guards can often help reduce the need for frequent cleaning. Types include mesh screens, reverse curve guards, foam inserts, and brush inserts. If you do use gutter guards, make sure to check them periodically to ensure they are not obstructing flow.

You should also periodically inspect for leaks, loose fasteners, or signs of damage. In the event that you do find any leaks that are easily accessible, you may be able to fix them on your own. First, clean the area around the leak, then apply a gutter sealant for small holes, or use a patch kit for larger holes. If you come across sagging gutters, check for loose hangers or brackets. Then tighten them or replace them as needed. If you are uncomfortable with this type of maintenance, you can always hire gutter cleaning professionals.

Inspecting Gutters and Downspouts

During our standard inspections, we always examine the entire exterior of the property. We understand the importance of an effective drainage system, so that is something our inspectors will always look at closely.

We will be on the look out for any signs of leaking, rusting, cracking, holes, disconnected or missing segments or any other type of visible damage.

Disconnected gutter segment

Missing gutter segment

Additionally, are the gutters draining properly? Inspectors will walk the roof when possible or climb a ladder to the edge of the roof in order to take a good look at gutter condition. We will call out any signs of debris buildup or blockage. Also, we’re looking for any standing water, which could indicate poor sloping.

Downspouts should be properly secure to the gutters with no gaps. Proper water diversion is crucial as well. Downspouts should divert water 4 to 6 feet away from the home’s foundation. Downspout extensions should be used when necessary.

Downspout draining too close to the foundation

Book with Scott Home Services

At Scott Home Services, we have been providing professional inspection services throughout the Colorado Front Range for over 18 years. So one thing is for sure – we know homes! It is our number one goal to help Colorado families live in safe, healthy, and comfortable homes.

We are your one-stop-shop for any type of inspection service – from standard home inspections to radon testing, sewer scope inspections to mold testing. If you are in need of any inspection services, do not hesitate to visit us online or contact us to book your services today!