Gutters should extend past the roof to catch and act as a drainage solution without splashing onto the roof or siding, especially in heavy rain.
The gutters should be tucked behind the drip edge and you should not have a gap so water is able to drop between the gutters. Either the gutters are sagging at the attachment points, they didnt install behind the drip edge or they ran the gutter slope too much and it is now below the drip edge.
Your gutters should extend beyond your roof shingles, not align with them. Water naturally runs across shingles, down the shingle edge, and even underneath it.
The Gutter Needs to be 2-3 Inches Away from the Edge of Your Roof: While 2-3 inches away from the roof is a good rule of thumb, the exact number is determined by the pitch of your roof and where the downspouts are placed.
If the gap between the roof and the gutter is too big, chances are that the water running off your roof is going to miss the gutter entirely. Stick to a fall of 3mm per meter and you'll not go wrong with your gutter installation. When installing your outlet piece, it should be no lower than 50mm (2inch) from the roof.
The existence of gaps between your gutters and roof is more than just a cosmetic concern; it's a potential threat to your home's structural integrity.
The gutter needs to go a little past your roof's shingles. Three-fourths of the gutter's width should extend past the shingles to catch the water and direct it correctly down the downspouts. The gutter needs to be 2 to 3 inches away from your roof's edge.
3-5 centimeters is in the 2-3 inch range. Any more and you run the risk of water running off the tile and overshooting the gutter. The gap can vary some because the gutters must slope towards the downspout.
For the eaves, which are the lower edges of the roof, the overhang should be between 12 and 18 inches. This means the roof should stick out 1 to 1.5 feet past the walls. For the rakes, which are the sloped edges of the roof at the gable ends, the overhang should be about 8 inches.
Your shingles that are overhanging your gutter should be on top of a piece of metal flashing. If they're hanging over your gutters by themselves, the problem can be is that through its property of cohesion and adhesion is it will adhere to the bottom of the shingle and wick back up into your roof deck.
Your new gutters should be installed at a certain angle to ensure rainwater is diverted to the drains. As a rule of thumb, gutters should have a slope of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet.
Sealing the gap between the roof and the gutter using silicone caulk and installing a gutter guard will reduce the risk of water damage due to leaks. The caulk will bridge the gap while the gutter guard keeps the channels clear and clog-free. The guard will help the gutters do their job more efficiently.
Determine the Desired Slope – Typically, a slope between 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch per 10 feet of gutter length is the best for proper drainage. Just remember, these numbers are subject to change based on local rainfall and roof pitch.
How to tell if gutters are installed correctly? Properly installed gutters should consistently handle rainwater without any leaks, pooling, or overflowing. You also shouldn't see any gaps between the gutters and fascia board, and the gutter should be level.
Gutters are made of a material that isn't affected by water, like aluminum or vinyl. They are attached to the facia board or rafter tails with a bracket that fits into the rim of the gutter. It's screwed to the house or a long screw with a ferrule to help the gutter retain its shape.
The drip edge is designed to direct water away from the roof and into the gutters. But the function of a drip edge goes beyond just water management. It protects the roof from potential moisture damage, safeguards the fascia board, and prevents the uplift of shingles during high winds.
Ideal Overhang Length
Once the drip edge is installed, the shingles should extend ½ inch to ¾ inch past the drip edge. If the shingles are allowed to extend too far, then they can be caught by the wind and damaged.
The most common countertop overhang measurement seen in homes today is one and a half inches. This is considered the ideal measurement because it creates the perfect place for people to rest their forearms while preparing food.
In general, a roof overhang should be 12”-18” for eaves and 8” for rakes. This article dives into the essentials of the roof overhang, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your shed project, ensuring it meets both practical needs and design aspirations.
The gutter should be installed as close to the shingles as possible. The back of the gutter should rest behind the drip edge; the drip edge goes over the gutter. The back of the gutter should rest on a drip edge. Failing to install gutters properly can lead to costly problems.
The general rule of thumb is for metal roofing to overhang the gutters by no more than 50mm (approximately 2 inches). Any further will change the look of your home, curb appeal and how the excess water flows from the roof to the gutters during a storm.
Incorrect placement can also cause erosion of the soil around your house, infestations of insects in the gutters, and damage to the siding or foundation. And all of these issues are often expensive to fix. It is recommended that gutters are placed under or 'behind' the drip edge of your roof.
As a general rule of thumb, choose 6-inch gutters for larger and steeper roofs and 5-inch gutters for smaller, low-slope roofs. Larger gutters typically hold more water, making them ideal for areas receiving heavier rains. However, different conditions may call for an adjustment in gutter size.
In fact, aluminum can expand or contract 13.1 micro inches per linear foot for each 1 degree change in temperature1. To put this in perspective, a 50 ft run of aluminum gutter subject to a 51 degree change in temperature could expand or contract . 401 inches (just over 3/8”).
If water persistently pools around your downspouts, you may need downspout extensions. These convenient and affordable tools allow you to direct rainwater exactly where you want it to go.