6 Gutter Installation Best Practices

You should always vet a gutter installation contractor before hiring them to make sure they’re qualified for the job. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to know the gutter installation best practices. Knowing these best practices helps you better evaluate the quality of their workmanship. 

In this post, our contractors at Advantage Seamless list some of our gutter installation best practices: 

1. Attaching Downspout Gutter Sections on the Ground 
   It’s standard practice for gutter installers to attach downspout sections to elbows from the ground, as it’s easier than assembling the downspouts and elbows for the gutters above ground. The installers will then adjust your gutter system accordingly while they’re on a ladder. 
2. Punching Out the Downspout Outlet 
   Punching out the downspout outlet eliminates some of the seams, creating a more finished look for your new gutter system. 
3. Observing the ¼ inch Slope for Every 10 Feet Rule
   Your gutter needs to be installed at a certain angle to ensure rainwater flows to the drains. As a rule of thumb, the gutter should be sloped 1/8th” for every 10 feet. 
4. Applying Sealant Properly 
   A liberal amount of sealant should be applied inside your gutters, which should be wiped dry. Sealant needs to be occasionally applied, as the seams connecting your gutters deteriorate over time. The only exception is seamless gutters since, as the name suggests, they lack joints. Since they lack seams—the weak point of a conventional system—seamless gutters are in general more durable than a standard gutter system. 
5. Using Screws Instead of Rivets to Install Downspouts 
   Screws are easier to remove, making removing clogged debris in your downspouts less of a hassle. To make sure the screws don’t ruin your home’s curb appeal, they should be prepainted to match the rest of your gutters. 
6. Cleaning Up Construction Mess 
   A professional contractor will always clean up any construction debris after they’re done installing your gutters. 

Looking for professional contractors in your area? Advantage Seamless offers professional gutter installation services as well as a wide variety of premium gutters, including half-round gutters. To request a free estimate, call us at 218.558.0575 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Alexandria, MN, as well as the surrounding communities.