Are my Gutters Pitched Correctly?

Your gutters serve one purpose and that purpose is to direct water away from your foundation.  They are a vital feature in defending the structural integrity of your house.  So how do you know if your gutters are pitched correctly?  We recommend that you look inside the gutter to see if there is any standing water.  Standing water is a tall tell tale that your gutters need to be re-pitched. Gutters should be pitched toward a downspout for the water to flow properly.  You will want at least a quarter inch of a slope for every 10 feet. Long runs of gutters are intentionally high in the middle so water flows toward downspouts at each end.  If a gutter has too much slope, it will flood the downspouts, and there's a very good possibility that the gutter will overflow at the low end leading to the foundation to erode by the downspouts. If you are experiencing standing water or are noticing that your gutters are constantly overflowing causing your foundation to wash away, give the guys at Alloy Gutter a call right away.  We will be more than happy to come out and take care of the problem for you.

Help With Downspout Placement

We frequently get calls from contractors and homeowners concerned about where the downspouts should go. Most have experienced a problem with drainage. Alloy Gutter Company will be happy to meet with you to discuss your best options for downspout placement.

Keep in mind that the primary function of a downspout is to discharge water away from a home’s foundation.  Also, it is best to avoid discharging water on to a driveway or sidewalk.  Nobody wants an ice rink on the concrete during the winter months.

Because every property is unique, Alloy Gutter Company will advise you of what will work best for your home. Of course, the final choice is always up to you. Give Alloy a call and let a company with over thirty five years of experience help you to make the best choice.

Do I Need Downspout Extensions?

The primary job of a gutter system is to divert water away from a building’s foundation. The parts of a gutter system include gutters, downspouts and downspout extensions. Many times, people call with the following questions about downspout extensions:
  • What is that pipe sticking out of my downspout and what is it for? It’s an extension and it is used to keep the water away from your foundation.
  • Does it need to be so long? A typical extension is 3’ long; 3’ is the recommended length for water discharge. Occasionally, there are special circumstances that warrant longer extensions.
  • Why are there nails in my extensions? Your extensions need to be removable so that you can mow the lawn in the discharge area. They are often held in place with a roofer’s nail.
  • Are there any extension options? Flip up extensions are available for a nominal charge.
If you have any extension questions give Alloy Gutter Company a call. We will be happy to address any question or concerns you have about your gutter system.