Roofing services
Gutter installation in Boca Raton
Gutters and downspouts that carry a South Florida downpour away from the roof edge, the walls and the foundation.
Moving water away
Where the water goes after the roof
A roof sheds a lot of water in a summer storm. Without gutters, or with gutters that overflow, that water pours off the edge, splashes the walls, soaks the fascia and collects against the foundation.
Gutters work with the roof edge: the fascia board they hang on has to be sound, and the drip edge has to send water into the gutter, not behind it. That is why gutter work often goes together with roof work.
Gutters can go on with a new roof or as a job of their own on an existing roof.
In Boca Raton, where an afternoon storm can drop a lot of rain in a short time, the size of the gutters and the number and placement of the downspouts decide whether the system keeps up or overflows.
What a gutter job covers
- Gutters sized and pitched for the roof area they drain
- Downspouts placed to carry water away from the house
- A check of the fascia the gutters hang on
- Drip edge so the water lands in the gutter
- Old gutters removed when they are being replaced
Signs to watch for
When gutters need attention
Most gutter problems show up during or right after a storm.
Overflow in storms
Water spilling over the gutter edge instead of running to the downspouts.
Stained or soft fascia
Dark streaks or soft spots on the boards behind the gutters.
Water at the foundation
Puddles or washed-out soil along the walls after rain.
Sagging sections
Gutters pulling away from the fascia or sagging between hangers.
After high winds
Bent or loosened gutters after a storm.
No gutters at all
Water falling straight off the roof edge onto walkways and planting beds.
Questions
Gutter questions
Do I need gutters in South Florida?
Not every home here has them, but gutters help keep heavy rain off the walls, the fascia and the foundation. Whether they make sense depends on the roof, the landscaping and where water collects today.
Can gutters be added to an existing roof?
Yes, as long as the fascia is sound. Damaged fascia is replaced first.
Can you install gutters with a new roof?
Yes. Installing them as part of the roof job lets the drip edge and the gutters be set up together.
What about the fascia behind the gutters?
Soft or rotted fascia is replaced before gutters are hung on it.
How do I keep gutters working?
Keep them clear of leaves and roof debris, especially before the rainy season, and check that the downspouts empty away from the house.
Where should the downspouts go?
Away from the foundation, walkways and the property line, to a spot where the ground slopes away from the house or into a drainage area. On a new installation the downspouts are planned with you.
Will gutters overflow in a tropical storm?
In the heaviest bands of a tropical storm almost any gutter can overflow. Gutters are built for the everyday summer downpours, and that is where they protect walls, fascia and foundations most.
Need gutters?
Call to talk it through, or send the details and we will get back to you to set up a visit.