Gutters aren’t readily visible from the ground, so it’s easy to overlook installation mistakes such as incorrect placement. This may seem insignificant, but it can lead to major problems if not corrected. In today’s post, the gutter contractors at Ben’s Construction Inc. discuss the importance of proper gutter placement.
Signs of Improper Gutter Placement
It’s almost impossible for the naked eye to identify improper gutter placement, but there are indicators that can be found with a quick spot check.
- Loose gutter troughs. Standard gutter systems are typically built using 10-foot lengths of gutter troughs. Incorrect placement can force the seams to open, resulting in leaks. It can also increase the strain on the fasteners and cause
- Standing water. Gutter troughs need to be sloped towards the downspouts to ensure proper drainage, otherwise water would stay inside and may cause corrosion within the gutters.
- Water stains. Improper placement can result in overflowing rainwater and water stains on the surrounding areas like the siding.
Hallmarks of Properly-Placed Gutters
Reputable installers ensure proper gutter placement by taking the following into account during installation:
- Distance from the roof edge. The gutters need to be as close to the edge of the first row of shingles as possible — the gutters wouldn’t be able to catch all of the rainwater if the gap is more than three inches.
- Distance from the exterior wall. On standard sloped roofing systems, the rafter tails extend far enough that they keep the gutters away from the siding. However, some building designs have roof edges that are almost flush with the exterior walls. In such cases, the gutters should extend past the roof edge just enough to prevent water from getting onto the siding.
- Distance from the fascia boards. The fascia boards are the vertical pieces that cover the rafter tails, which also serve as the substrate where gutter fasteners are attached to. The back of the gutters should rest on the fascia board and just behind the drip edge, in order to prevent water infiltration behind the gutters.
Need help with your gutters? Get in touch with our team at Ben’s Construction Inc. by calling (508) 962-2417. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.