Tidewater Roofing has performed custom gutter installation on homes and commercial properties across Virginia for over 40 years. In this blog, our expert team will go over what they do and how to care for them properly. Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing, installing and maintaining your gutter system.
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What Is A Gutter?
Gutters are the parts of your home, commercial property or multi-family property’s water drainage system that carries water off your roof after rain or snow melts. These small, trench style systems are usually made from either copper, aluminium or galvanized steel. All three options are extremely durable, and can come in a variety of styles and colours to fit any aesthetic.How Do Gutters Work?
When water flows off your roof and then is carried by your gutter system to a downspout. The downspout then diverts the water down and away from the walls and foundation of your property. This helps prevent water pooling around the base of your building when it rains, which can cause leaks, rotting, flooding and other water-related problems.How Are Gutters Installed?
It’s best to call in experienced professionals when it comes to gutter installation. That’s why you can trust the specialized gutter installation technicians at Tidewater Roofing. Here’s what you can expect when you book your appointment.Consultation & Fabrication
Whether you're a commercial or residential customer, our industry-leading gutter installation process always begins the same, with a highly detailed consultation. Our estimating team will thoroughly examine your property’s roof size, roof slope and identify any existing or potential drainage issues. They will then analyze the supplies, materials and labor that will go into your gutter installation, or replacement, including the removal and disposal of your previous gutter system. At this point, we will also check your building’s fascia for rot to ensure your existing roofing materials are strong enough to support your new gutter system. We’ll also look for signs of water damage that could compromise the strength of your fascia.Recommendation
All residential and commercial gutter recommendations are made with your needs and budget in mind. Tidewater Roofing is proud to provide tailored gutter solutions, from size and material selection, to color and style. We have the perfect gutter system for your home, commercial building, or multi-family property.Gutter Installation Service
Our gutters are typically a two-piece set-up: a seamless trough and a matching, seamless protective hood. This design ensures that both components can be easily replaced in the future if needed. The first step is to snap chalk lines between the highest and lowest points of the gutter run to ensure that we install your gutters accurately and for maximum drainage. We place the high point 1.25 inches below the drip-edge flashing and create a 0.5 inch slope for every 10 feet of gutter length so that water flows through the gutters easily. Your new gutters are mounted to our home using a patented bracket for the strongest, most secure hold. We bore pilot holes into your fascia and use strong, stainless steel lag screws to attach the brackets. Your gutters will remain firmly attached to your building’s fascia board for the lifetime of your system and might even outlast the building they are installed on! During installation we will also:- Fabricate your gutters from your chosen material (copper, aluminum or galvanized steel)
- Measure and build the matching downspouts
- Attach all gutters to your building including end caps to allow the gutter sections to connect seamlessly, and prevent leaks.
- After deciding on where to attach your downspout, we’ll place an outlet on top of the corresponding gutter section and cut the whole. The downspout will then be connected through that hole.
- Check for proper slope to ensure water drains as intended
Signs Your Gutters Need Service
Here are a few common signs that your residential or commercial gutter system needs maintenance, repairs or an outright replacement.Overflowing Water
If water is flowing over the sides of your gutters when it rains, or during snow melts, they’re most likely clogged somewhere. Debris that builds up in any section of your gutter system prevents them from being able to divert water effectively, which could lead to water damage.Sagging Gutters
Gutters can become weighed down by debris build-up and clogs or by ice dams that can form during Virginia winter storms. This extra weight can eventually pull your gutters away from your property, preventing them from being able to connect runoff and can present a safety hazard.Stained Siding
When water is mixed with debris, or dirt from your shingles or other roofing material it can become dirty. And when it runs down the side of your building it can discolour the siding or stucco, often adding an unpleasant yellow or brown tint. If you notice this discoloration, it’s a good idea to do a quick visual inspection of your gutter system for clogs.Pests
Birds, rats and other pests can and will choose to build their nests in your gutter system if there is enough debris for them to burrow in. Plants like moss or lichen can also thrive in your gutter system because of the moist environment they provide. If you notice animal activity or creeping plant matter in and around your gutters, it’s probably time to have them serviced. So give our team a call today!When Should You Replace Your Gutters
You can extend the lifespan of your gutters with regular cleaning, inspections and maintenance, but some types of wear and tear aren’t cost-effective. If you notice any of the following, a full gutter system replacement is often your best option.- Cracks, while can be sealed, will often reopen again over time as the patch material disintegrates. If you notice cracking, the gutters should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Severe water damage
- Recurring service or repair calls. If you’re constantly calling Tidewater Roofing in to seal cracks, reattach materials or clear blockages, it’ll be more effective and cheaper to replace the gutter system.
What To Consider When Installing New Gutters
Here are some key considerations should you decide to replace your home, commercial property or multi-family property’s gutters.Width
The size and slope of your roof will determine how wide your new gutter system needs to be. The more water that falls on your roof and the faster it runs towards the edges, the wider your gutters need to be. To accurately determine width, our expert gutter technician will measure the pitch and square footage of your roof, then multiply the square footage by a number that corresponds to the pitch and use the result to find the perfect gutter size for you. Most residential gutters will be between 5-6 inches, while a commercial box gutter set up may be upwards of 7”.Downspout Placement
When choosing your downspout location, your gutter technician will ensure it avoids areas like patios, flowerbeds, walkways and fences. They also ensure that the end of the downspout reaches at least 4-6 feet away from your building’s foundation.Ground Grading
Adding soil to the ground around your home or multi-family properties foundation can create a grade that helps water flow away from the building, rather than towards it. It’s just an extra level of protection when water levels might exceed your gutters capacity, ie. hurricane season.Leaf Protection & Gutter Guards
Tidewater Roofing is the home of our exclusive Carefree Gutter Guard System, tailored for homeowners and multi-family property managers seeking a reliable, and maintenance free gutter solution. Our innovative system offers unmatched protection, ensuring your building is safeguarded against debris build up and clogs. We hope this blog has been helpful to you and you now have a better understanding of your home, commercial building or multi-family property’s gutter system. Whether you are a homeowner or property manager, knowing how gutters work is the first line of defense in protecting your investment. We’ve been serving Southeastern Virginia for over 40 years. We proudly offer commercial and residential roofing and gutter services for all types of properties. We operate with integrity, and use only the highest quality tools and materials. Contact a member of our friendly team today to see how we can keep your home protected for years to come!Common Questions About Gutter Installation & Service
What are gutters made out of?
The most common material types used in Virginia homes, commercial buildings and multi-family properties are:- Copper - copper gutters have an appealing look and effectively resist rust, making them an excellent, long-term investment and gutter solution.
- Aluminum - durable, lightweight and easy to paint in a variety of colours to match your homes siding
- Galvanized Steel - coated in molten zine to effectively resist warping caused by seasonal temperature changes.
How long do gutters last?
Most gutters can be expected to last between 20-30 years with proper maintenance. For best results, clean your gutters at least twice a year, and consider hiring Tidewater Roofing to take care of small repairs before they become problems that require more expensive and extensive repairs or replacement.Do you need to replace soffit and fascia boards when getting new gutters?
During your gutter installation we’ll always check your fascia for water damage. If it’s in good shape, you won’t need to worry about material replacement prior to gutter installation. If we notice a lot of water damage however, we will recommend replacement to ensure your gutters can attach properly.Why Choose Tidewater
Our record speaks for itself, here are only some of the reasons you can trust our experienced team:- 40+ years of experience
- Over 38,000 roofing projects
- Industry-leading warranties
- 40+ communities served
