Gutter installation can be a complicated task. It’s best to hire an experienced professional to do this job. While DIY may seem to save money in the beginning, mistakes can cause serious water damage to your property and increase the cost of the project over time. There are many mistakes that homeowners make when installing gutters on their own:
Selecting the wrong gutter size: A common error is to choose the wrong size gutter. Standard gutter systems are 5” long by 6” wide and have downspouts that measure 2×3 or 3×4 in length and width, and 3 or 4” in diameter. The size of your gutters will depend on how much rainfall you receive and the pitch of your roof. The rule of thumb is that the higher your roof pitch, then the more rainwater you can collect on your roof, the bigger your gutters will need to be.
Failure to consider climate: You must consider how much rainfall and snowmelt the area gets. Ice dams, for example, are a problem in colder climates like Minnesota. Ice dams are formed when snow on your roof melts and then freezes at the edge. Poor attic insulation and ventilation are the most common causes. If water from your gutters freezes, you can also create ice dams.
Incorrect gutter hanger spacing: Make sure your gutter hangers aren’t too far apart when installing them. Your gutters could sag if they are too far apart. The hangers should be at least three feet apart. Gutter hangers in cold climates should be placed at a maximum distance of 2’. This is to provide additional support for snow and ice.
Failure to consider roof pitch: Gutters should be pitched to allow rainwater to flow to their downspouts. Too steep a pitch will cause water to rush into the downspouts, and possibly overflow. If the angle is too low water can pool in the gutter. These factors will be taken into consideration by a professional gutter contractor when installing your system.
Incorrect Installation Of Downspouts: Rainwater can seep into your foundation and damage your façade if the downspouts don’t get installed correctly or aren’t placed in the right place. Ideal downspouts should be placed eight to ten feet from the foundation of your home.
Leave Gutter Installation Work To Professionals
DIY is a popular choice for homeowners who want to save money but end up spending more over the long-term. Remember that your gutters are the first line of defense against rain damage to your roof. Any savings that you may make in labor costs will quickly be outweighed by the repair and replacement costs over the long-term. It is smarter to trust professionals who specialize in gutter installation. Minnesota Leafless Gutters are ready to start your gutter installation project today. Call (612) 221-0362 for more information on gutter selection or installation.
