Calculate the square footage of your roof · 2.Get the slope of your roof · 3.Turn the slope of your roof into a multiplier · 4.There are a few things to think about when it comes to installing gutters in your home. And while you may have already decided on the material, shape and color, a vital step in the process is making sure you have the right gutter measurements. For your gutters to work properly, they must be the size of your home.
Rain gutters are available
in various widths.They start around 3 inches and grow to 6 or 7 inches. For most homes, a depth of 4 to 6 inches is adequate, but some homes may need larger gutters if they are located in an area with high rainfall levels. The next step is to tilt the roof. The slope is the slope of the roof for each 12-inch horizontal stretch. To get the slope of the roof, you need a level and a measuring tape.
Position the level horizontally so that one end touches the ceiling. As shown in the graphic above, use the level to measure a straight, horizontal line extending 12 inches from the point where the level touches the ceiling. From that 12-inch point, measure up to the ceiling. Whatever this final measurement number is, it's the slope of your roof. If the resulting figure from the calculation in step 4 is between 3500 and 5,500, you can use 4-inch gutters.
Between 5,520 and 7,500, you need 5-inch gutters, while 7,500 and more should use 6- to 7-inch gutters, depending on the rain. Plan to have one downspout for every 25 to 30 linear feet of gutters. Measure the distance from the roof line to the floor, plus at least 4 feet for a gutter extension. Multiply this by the number of downspouts needed.
Once you have all the measurements, you're ready to determine the right gutter size for your home. Take the square feet of the drainage area and multiply them by the roof slope factor, as well as by the maximum intensity of rain. This number is called adjusted square footage, and you can use it with the following table to determine the recommended gutter size for your home. If the different drainage areas of your roof require different sized gutters, choose the one that is larger.
The size of the gutters isn't the only thing you need to consider when repairing an existing roof drainage system or installing a new one. Either option should work in your home, but homes with large or steep roofs may want to consider 6-inch semicircular gutters to keep them from overflowing. Areas prone to sudden heavy downpours require larger gutters to prevent them from overflowing during these intense storms. Whether you choose K-type, semicircular, or another type of gutter, make sure your system can handle the volume of water expected to keep your home safe and dry.
By increasing this slope, which can normally be done by adjusting the gutter hooks, you can improve water flow and drainage. Use this practical guide to ensure that your gutter system is the right size even for stronger storms. It also helps you budget for the cost of new gutters or gutter protectors and get accurate quotes if you decide to hire professional gutter installers. Whether a standard gutter size is right for your home or if you have special needs that require customization, Thompson Creek can help.
However, homes with large or steep roofs, or those that are in areas prone to heavy rain, may require wider gutters, additional downspouts, or other drainage solutions to keep them from overflowing. While more expensive, larger gutters can be an excellent solution for homes with large roofs or in areas with exceptionally high rainfall. Check with your local weather service or a gutter installation professional to determine the maximum intensity of rain in your area. Drains must be able to handle the volume of water collected through the gutters and direct it away from the foundation of the house. Regularly inspect gutters and downspouts for signs of damage or wear, and resolve any problems promptly to prevent water from damaging your home.
