Always vet a gutter contractor before hiring them to make sure they’re qualified for the job. However, it wouldn’t hurt to learn more about the gutter best installation practices, which can help you evaluate the quality of your contractor’s workmanship.
Hinkle Roofing, your trusted residential roofing company, lists some of the best practices you should expect from a professional gutters installer:
1. Assembling the Gutter System on the Ground
It’s standard practice for contractors to assemble your new gutter system on the ground where it’s easier to attach gutter sections.
2. Cutting Out the Downspout Outlet
By cutting out the downspout outlet and in the process eliminate a few seams, your gutter contractor can create a more finished look for your new gutter system.
Here’s a tip: if you want a more streamlined look for your new gutters, there’s also the option of installing seamless gutters. As the name suggests, they lack unsightly seams, which are also considered the weak point of a conventional gutter system. As such, they are less leak-prone than conventional gutters and have lower maintenance needs (you don’t have to worry about leaves and debris getting stuck between your gutters). To learn more about the advantages of seamless gutters over conventional gutters, consult a local residential or metal roofing contractor.
3. Observing the ¼-inch Slope for Every 10 Feet Rule
As a general rule, the gutter should be sloped ¼” for every 10 feet to ensure rainwater flows to the drains. If the gutter pitch is too sharp, water might spill out of your gutters. And if the pitch isn’t steep enough, rainwater might stagnate in sections of your gutter system.
Hinkle Roofing has been serving residents in the Birmingham area since 1908. We offer a wide range of professional roofing services as well as a wide variety of quality gutter and metal roof options. To request a free estimate, call us at (205) 324-8545 or fill out this form.