The layout of your gutters impact how well they work. If the gutters are hung in the wrong spot, at the wrong angle, or in the wrong shape, they’re not going to do their jobs. Follow these steps to design an effective gutter layout and get the most from your home investment.
What Gutters Need to Do
Gutters serve three primary functions: collect water from the roof, send water to the ground, and direct water away from the foundation. The gutter layout influences each of these functions in different ways.
- Collecting water from the roofing – Gutters need to be large enough to support the amount of water coming from the roofing, and they need to be at the bottom of every slope (ideally).
- Taking water from the roof to the ground – This happens by way of the downspouts, which are the vertical parts of the gutters. If there aren’t enough downspouts or the downspouts aren’t in the right areas, the gutters may overflow. Learn more: How Gutters Work
- Directing water away from the foundation – The downspouts will do the bulk of this work, but some gutter systems require additional supports to drain water away from the home. If the water is not properly drained, it can pool up around the foundation and cause shifting, settling, water damage, bowed basement walls, and more.
By understanding the basic functions of gutters, we can plan an efficient and effective gutter layout.
Establish the Functional Needs for the Gutter Layout
Function is the most important factor for any home improvement, whether it be new gutters or a new back patio. Consider the functional needs of the gutters as the top priority. The pitch and size of your roof will determine how large your gutters need to be, and the layout of the roof/house will impact where the downspouts need to go.
If you have issues with your existing gutters, correct them with your new gutter layout. Maybe there’s a specific corner that doesn’t drain properly, or perhaps you’ve seen water overflowing in a certain area. Your new gutter layout can address these areas of concern and provide better protection for your home.
Plan Where the Gutters and Downspouts Will Go
Planning the slope of the gutters and the placement of the downspouts is a bit of an art form. Downspouts are generally placed on both ends of a row of gutters, but a long row may need several downspouts in between. On a multi-story home, the downspouts need to connect with lower gutters to create a maze of drainage around the house.
Sargent Gutters & Siding is a fully licensed and insured gutter company in Southeast Michigan. We have years of experience in gutter installation and gutter replacement. You can count on us to get an effective gutter layout tailored to your needs.
Choose Gutter Colors and Other Design Features
Gutter colors may not impact the layout, but the layout can impact your gutter selection. If you want your gutters and downspouts to be two different colors, the layout will determine what color goes where. If you’re using gutters as a decorative element on your home, you may want to place them in a way that highlights the architectural features, while still serving its functional purpose.
The professional gutter installers here at Sargent Gutters & Siding can help you every step of the way. We’ll create a custom gutter layout and install your new gutters in a timely manner.
