Installing Rain Gutters: Some Guidelines

The Greater Cincinnati area is blessed with four distinct seasons (something that folks in Arizona or Alaska may envy), and spring brings rain. Rain may have you considering a typical spring maintenance chore, such as repairing or installing rain gutters on your Cincinnati-area home. While it is work that a skilled and crafty homeowner can do, you may opt for professional installation once you know what is involved in installing gutters.

Why Rain Gutters Are Important

Most houses already have gutter systems, but if your Cincinnati-area home lacks well-installed, reliable gutters, you are risking some structural problems:

• Weakened foundation
• Water infiltration
• Reduced indoor air quality
• Mold and mildew growth in basement or crawlspace
• Fascia boards around roof edge can rot

In addition, you are losing valuable rainwater that could be diverted to a rain barrel for use in your garden. A typical roof on a 2,000-square-foot home sheds around 700 gallons of water in an average rainstorm. You may not want all that water for a garden, but you also do not want it pooling at your foundation.

Installing Rain Gutters Yourself

You may find installing rain gutters on your Cincinnati-area home beyond your abilities. Consider hiring a professional, with the right equipment and a large enough crew to quickly attach gutters, downspouts and leaders. If you do insist on doing it yourself, here are some helpful pointers:

• Gutters must slope from one end down toward the downspout. Anything from ¼ inch per 10 feet up to ½ inch per 15 feet is suitable.
• Gutter width depends on your roof’s square footage. Bigger roof? Wider gutters. Otherwise, water overshoots the gutter.
• Gutters must be attached at least every three feet; closer if the gutter will endure heavy usage.
• Downspouts must be firmly attached to your home; leaders must direct water well away from foundations.

If you would like professional help installing rain gutters for your Cincinnati-area home, contact us at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We have the crews, the equipment and the know-how to make installing rain gutters as pleasant as sunshine on a cloudy day. Image via Shutterstock.com