Complete Gutters & Drainage Guide

Gutters are your home's first line of defense against water damage. Foundation protection is primary—without gutters, rainwater cascades off roofs, saturating soil around foundations, causing settling, cracking, and basement flooding. Properly installed gutters channel water 5-10 feet from foundation. Basement protection prevents water from seeping through foundation walls. Siding and exterior protection prevents water from running down exterior walls. Landscape protection prevents soil erosion. Structural integrity depends on proper water management. Energy efficiency improves when gutters prevent moisture from entering walls. Property value maintenance requires proper water management. The cost of proper gutters ($5-$15 per linear foot) is minimal compared to foundation repair ($5,000-$15,000+) or basement waterproofing ($3,000-$10,000+).

Seamless gutters: Custom-fitted on-site, $8-$15 per linear foot, eliminate most joints, available in aluminum/copper/steel. Sectional gutters: Pre-cut lengths, $5-$8 per linear foot, more joints, easier DIY. K-style gutters: Most common residential type, decorative appearance, good water capacity. Half-round gutters: Semicircular profile, traditional appearance, $10-$20 per linear foot. Box gutters: Built into roof structure, hidden appearance, professional installation required. Materials: Aluminum (most popular, $5-$10/linear ft), Copper (premium, 50+ year lifespan, $25-$40/linear ft), Steel (durable, $8-$12/linear ft), Vinyl (budget-friendly, $3-$6/linear ft, less durable), Zinc (premium, 50+ year lifespan, $20-$30/linear ft). Gutter guards reduce maintenance, add $5-$10 per linear foot.

Cleaning frequency: Homes with many trees need cleaning 3-4 times yearly, homes with few trees need cleaning twice yearly (spring and fall). Cleaning process: Safety first (stable ladder, spotter, gloves), remove debris by hand or scoop, flush with garden hose, check for proper flow, inspect for damage, check downspouts. Professional cleaning: $150-$300 recommended for two-story homes. Inspection checklist: Check proper slope (1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspouts), look for sagging or pulling away, check for leaks at joints, inspect for rust/corrosion, check fasteners and hangers, ensure downspouts are clear. Gutter guards reduce but don't eliminate maintenance. Seasonal maintenance: Spring cleaning after winter, fall cleaning before winter, check for ice dam damage in spring. Downspout maintenance: Ensure clear, check extensions (5-10 feet from foundation), verify positioning, check for damage.

Overflow problems: Indicate clogs, improper slope, or undersized gutters. Solutions: Cleaning, adjusting slope, or upgrading size. Sagging gutters: Suggest loose/missing hangers, excessive weight, or improper installation. Solutions: Replace hangers, reinforce attachment, or professional reinstallation. Leaks at joints: Require resealing or replacing connectors. Leaks in seamless gutters: May require patching or section replacement. Rust and corrosion: Indicate material failure or lack of maintenance. Solutions: Treat minor rust, replace severely corroded sections, or consider material upgrade. Pulling away from fascia: Indicates loose fasteners, rotted fascia, or improper installation. Solutions: Replace fasteners, repair fascia, or professional reinstallation. Ice dam formation: Causes water backup, potential roof damage. Solutions: Improve attic insulation/ventilation, install heat cables, or upgrade gutter system. Water pooling near foundation: Serious drainage failure. Solutions: Extend downspouts, install French drains, or regrade landscape.

Pre-installation: Measure roof perimeter accurately, calculate proper gutter size based on roof area and local rainfall, plan downspout placement (typically every 30-40 feet), check fascia condition. Fascia preparation: Inspect for rot/damage, repair or replace as needed, ensure proper attachment, check for level. Gutter sizing: Use roof area and local rainfall intensity—typical residential uses 5-inch gutters, larger roofs or high rainfall areas may need 6-inch gutters. Proper slope: Ensure 1/4 inch drop per 10 feet toward downspouts, use level and string line, check slope throughout installation. Hanger spacing: Follow manufacturer specifications (typically every 24-36 inches), ensure proper support, use appropriate hangers for material type. Seam placement: Minimize seams, place away from high-flow areas, ensure proper sealing. Downspout installation: Proper sizing (typically 2x3 or 3x4 inches), strategic placement, secure attachment, proper extensions. End caps and corners: Properly sealed, securely attached, checked for leaks. Quality control: Check slope throughout, ensure proper fastening, test water flow, final inspection. Cleanup: Remove all debris, check for damage, final testing.

French drains: Underground perforated pipes that collect and redirect water, ideal for persistent water problems, $10-$30 per linear foot. Surface drains: Collect water from low-lying areas, connect to drainage systems, prevent pooling. Catch basins: Collect water from downspouts or surface areas, connect to drainage systems, prevent overflow. Dry wells: Underground structures that collect and slowly release water, ideal for poor soil drainage, help manage stormwater. Grading and slope: Ensure proper ground slope away from foundation (minimum 6 inches over 10 feet), prevent water pooling, may require professional regrading. Downspout extensions: Extend 5-10 feet from foundation, use rigid or flexible extensions, ensure proper slope. Splash blocks: Help prevent soil erosion, should be positioned correctly, may need replacement over time. Rain barrels: Collect water for irrigation, reduce runoff, provide environmental benefits. Sump pumps: In basements prevent flooding, require proper installation/maintenance, need backup power for reliability. Professional drainage assessment: Identifies problem areas, recommends solutions, ensures proper installation. Landscape considerations: Proper plant placement, avoid plants requiring excessive water near foundation, use plants that help with drainage.