What this covers
Gutters collect the water a roof sheds and carry it to downspouts and away from the foundation. The installer measures each roof plane to size the gutter and the number of downspouts, forms seamless aluminum runs on site to the exact length, pitches each run toward its outlet, and fastens it with hidden hangers screwed into solid fascia. Corners are mitered and sealed, downspouts are strapped to the wall and led to splash blocks, extensions or buried drains. Fascia is checked and repaired first, since gutters on rotten wood do not stay up. Careful work shows in runs pitched enough to drain but not visibly, hangers at close spacing, and water that ends up well away from the house.
When to call
- A home with no gutters and water pooling at the foundation or splashing on the siding.
- Old sectional gutters leaking at every joint.
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia or sagging between hangers.
- New fascia or a new roof, when gutters are easy to replace.
What to expect
- Measure and sizeRoof areas, pitch and downspout locations are worked out and the fascia checked.
- FormSeamless runs are formed on site to length.
- HangRuns are pitched and hung on hidden hangers, corners mitered and sealed.
- DownspoutsDownspouts and discharge are installed and the system tested with a hose.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Five-inch or six-inch gutters?
Five-inch K-style handles most homes. Steep or large roof planes, metal roofs and heavy-rain regions often call for six-inch gutters and larger downspouts.
Aluminum, steel or copper?
Aluminum is the common choice and does not rust. Steel is stronger where ladders and snow are hard on gutters; copper is chosen for its look on period homes.
Where should the downspouts discharge?
At least several feet from the foundation, onto grade that slopes away, or into a buried drain that daylights downhill. Dumping at the wall undoes the point of the gutters.
Related: Gutter guards · Soffit and fascia repair · Gutter repair · All roofing and gutters
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.