Selecting Gutters and Downspouts

 If a house were perfectly designed, the eaves would overhang far enough to shed rainwater to where it would cause no damage to the homes foundation. Few homes are ever made to this standard. In less than perfect homes gutters are used to carry runoff from the roof of your Colorado home and channel it into downspouts that direct it away from the foundation helping to keep the home safe and sturdy.

Gutters and downspouts are commonly made from vinyl, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Unless you're working on an authentic restoration, don't use copper and wood gutters because they are extremely expensive and difficult to install.

Vinyl and aluminum come in various color and it is easy to find something to match the aesthetics of your home. Most lumberyards and home centers stock them in white or dark brown any other colors are painted or special ordered. Galvanized metal gutters and downspouts are usually unpainted, so you can paint them to match your house.

Gutters and downspouts are sold in ten feet lengths which are easy to handle. Professionals install seamless aluminum gutters that are made on site by a machine that forms rolled aluminum stock into a gutter. Most gutters sold in lumberyards and home centers are 4 inches wide- adequate for most homes. A home where any roof section is larger that 750 square feet may require a larger gutter. Five inches is the next largest size and works well when there is heavier runoff.


Gutter sections can be hung with any of a number of hangers, including spikes which are secured into the fascia, brackets that mount on the fascia, and hangers that attach directly to the roof deck. These strap hangers, or brackets, are installed before the roofing is put on. Downspouts are secured to the side of the house with straps or brackets.