How to Gauge Gutters Before You Buy

Keeping your gutters free of debris goes a long way toward protecting your property from water damage, and regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the gutters too. If your rain collection system is plagued by cracks, leaks and loose fittings, however, it’s time to think about replacement gutters.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing new gutters, including materials, profiles and configurations. One factor that significantly impacts the system’s performance is the size. Use this guide from Handyman Connection of Ann Arbor to make sure that your gutters are sized right to weather any storm.

Calculate Your Roof’s Drainage Area

The larger your roof, the more important it is to ensure that your gutters are sized correctly. The first step in gauging gutters is to calculate your roof’s square footage. If your home has a basic gable-end roof, you’re in luck. Simply multiply the length by the width to determine the drainage area. If your roof has architectural features like dormers and cross gables, calculate the square footage of each surface and add the result to your total as well.

Determine the Pitch

Steep roofs are more effective at collecting rain than flatter designs, so you’ll need to factor in the pitch when sizing your gutters too. You can estimate your roof’s pitch by holding a 12-inch ruler parallel to the ground. Touch one end of the ruler against the roof and measure the gap between the other end and the roof. A 6-inch gap, or “rise,” means that your roof has a 6:12 pitch.

Plan for Maximum Rainfall

While the average precipitation in Ann Arbor ranges between 2 and 4 inches per month, your gutters need to be large enough to handle a heavy storm burst. According to the U.S. Weather Bureau, the maximum rainfall that can occur over a 5-minute period in Michigan is 6.4 inches. This variable is another factor to consider when selecting gutter size.

Sizing the Gutters

Once you know your roof’s total square footage, its pitch ratio and the region’s maximum rainfall intensity, you have all the information you need to choose the right-sized gutters for your home. Start by multiplying the square feet by 6.4, the maximum rainfall variable for the Ann Arbor region. If the total is around 5,520 or less, 5-inch K-style gutters will suffice, provided that pitch of the roof is not too steep.

If the total is more than 5,520 and less than 7,960, 6-inch K-style gutters are recommended for roofs with an average pitch. If your total is more than 7,960 or your roof has a steep slope, don’t despair. You don’t have to install super-sized custom gutters to handle the load. You can increase the gutter system’s capacity by installing additional downspouts or by adjusting the pitch of the gutters.

Help with Gutter Maintenance

Once you have replaced your gutters, you’ll want to maintain them to take care of your investment. Save time and energy by having the professionals at Handyman Connection of Ann Arbor tackle the job for you. Our pros have extensive experience in gutter maintenance, so you can count on enjoying great results. For more information, contact Handyman Connection of Ann Arbor today and schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!