Gutters are there to divert rainwater away from your home and into the downspout, which is why they’re essential to any home. Without them, rain can erode the soil around your home and compromise its very foundations.
Appropriate maintenance of gutters and downspouts are readily available with the help of gutter companies. But first, you need to know the size of gutters you need. So, roll up your sleeves, and we’ll teach you how to do just that.
Roof-Pitch Factor
There is something your local gutter experts should have told you: when a roof’s pitch is steep, it collects more windblown rain. To get the roof-pitch factor, you will need an extension ladder, two-foot level and tape measure. Place the ladder at least three feet past its top resting point against the edge of the roof. Hold one end of the level against the roof, adjust until it reads level, and measure the distance between the roof and the bottom of the level. This will determine the pitch of the roof.
Rainfall Intensity
Local roofing companies advise looking up the rainfall intensity in your area. The National Weather Service calculates maximum rainfall in five-minute periods in inches per hour and keeps a record of it. The higher the figure, the bigger gutter you should install.
Sizing the Gutter
Determine the square footage by multiplying the drainage area by the calculated roof-pitch factor and rainfall intensity figure. This will show you the gutter (five-inch K-style gutters and six-inch half rounds are the most common) sizes and how much rain water your roof can drain.
If you need help finding the right gutters, GO Construction Services, LLC can help. Backed by outstanding workmanship guarantees, our gutter and roofing contractors deliver quality products and excellent installation services. We also proudly offer free gutters with every new roof.
Call us for home improvement solutions at (717) 740-2002, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation now. We serve homeowners throughout Central Pennsylvania.
