Gutters are made to direct water away from the house, preventing costly water damage. Improperly sized gutters can cause water to enter your foundation, compromising your home’s structural stability.

Trusted roofing contractor, John Peters Roofing, shares what you need to keep in mind when sizing gutters.

Gutters Sizing

When it comes to the sizing of your gutters, you’ll have to choose from gutter size, downspout size and thickness. The gutter size refers to the measurement of the top opening while the downspout is the length and width, or diameter. Five and six inches are the most popular gutter sizes but four inches is also available. Downspouts are usually three or four inches in diameter.

You also need to consider the rainfall density in your area when determining the size of your gutter system. This information is typically available on gutter supply websites. Your home should have a larger gutter system if it frequently rains in your area or you have a steep roof. It’s the same for a home surrounded by tall trees to make room for fallen leaves without clogging. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow to your home’s exterior, resulting in significant siding or roof repair costs.

Proper Pitch

Gutters must be pitched to ensure proper water flow. The slope should be a vertical 1/2 inch for every 10 feet of horizontal run. For runs that are more than 35 feet long, some experts recommend installing the high point of the system in the middle and sloping the gutter downward on both sides to downspouts on both ends of the run.

For quality gutter replacement and installation services, choose John Peters Roofing. Our team will help you find the best gutter system for your home. We also offer residential roofing repair and replacement services. Call us at (317) 786-3315 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Indianapolis.