Gutter Care Tips

1. Be sure tree limbs and other vegetation are kept away from your roof, gutters and downspouts.

2. Extend downspouts out from the house. 

3. The standard rule for downspouts is that a 2 x 3 will drain 600 sq. feet area and a 3 x 4 will drain 1,200 sq. feet. 

4. You should have at least 1 downspout for every 30 ft. of gutter.  The gutter should be secured every 2-3 feet. 

5. Use splash blocks at the end of all downspouts. 

6. Gutters should slope down toward downspouts ¼ inch every 4 feet.

7. Replace all gutter hangers that break, pull free or become bent. 

8. Leaf guard systems should always be installed on top of the gutter not in the gutter.  If your primary problem is small debris like pine needles installing larger 3 x 4 downspouts will solve the problem. 

9. Your gutters should always be installed under the drip edge of your roof.  If your current gutters are not installed this way you could easily place a small strip of metal flashing under the drip edge and over the back of the gutter.  This eliminates leaking behind the gutter and damage to your fascia covering. 

10. To repair a leaking joint, clear the debris and clean the area as described above.  Scrape out old sealant.  Firmly press joint closed and coat entire area with a self-leveling butyl-rubber sealant.