5 Mistakes To Avoid During Gutter Installation In Jackson, MS

If you are also troubled by the frequent rain damage and want to install new gutters in Jackson, MS then you are at the right place. 

While installing new gutters on your home is no doubt a great investment and can help protect your home from water damage, problems may arise. There are several mistakes that homeowners often make during their gutter installation process, and we’re here today to prevent you from making those same mistakes. We’ll highlight five of the most common ones to avoid so that your new gutter system is installed correctly and efficiently.

1. Incorrect Gutter Pitch 

One way in which your gutter installation project can go wrong is by having gutters that are not at a reasonable pitch. Contrary to what you might think, your gutters are not installed in a straight line. Just like a flat roof is not entirely flat, the gutters also have a slight angle to them, directing water into the downspout and away from your home. 

There is no strict rule here when it comes to the slope of your gutter,  but general practice is to allow a slope of ⅓ of an inch for every 10 feet of gutters. This will give you a slant around 1 to 1.5 inches every 40 feet. 

If the pitch is too steep, water may overflow the gutters, but on the other hand, a shallow pitch will cause the water to accumulate, causing the gutters to sag. 

2. Incorrect Gutter Placement

Apart from the pitch, the placement of the gutters also plays a vital role. Ideally, gutters should be installed below the edge of the roof instead of being just on the edge.  This helps them adequately capture rainwater runoff.

If you or the contractor you hire places the gutter too high, they may not be able to funnel the water, causing it to bypass the gutters altogether. This can result in significant damage to your home’s siding, foundation, and landscaping. 

To avoid this mistake, hire a professional gutter installer who understands the proper pitch and placement requirements for your home. They will ensure proper installation and promote proper water drainage.

3. Installing Gutters Of The Wrong Size

Another common error that can happen during rain gutter installation is using gutters that are too small or too big for your home. With custom options all over the market, you can not find gutters of various depths to hold the necessary amount of water.

Though it gives you flexibility, it also becomes crucial to select the right size based on the surface area of your roof and the average amount of rainfall in Jackson. Using rain gutters that are smaller may lead to overflowing water during heavy rain, causing water damage. 

This is why, before installing new gutters, you should talk to a professional and determine the correct size for your home. They will consider factors such as roof size, roof pitch, and local weather conditions to recommend the appropriate gutter size.

4. Using Low-Quality Materials

Make sure that the rain gutter contractors you hire use materials that are of good quality. Installing average or low-quality materials might seem like an attractive option initially, but it’s not worth it in the long run. Installing these types of gutters can lead to premature failure and costly repairs in the future. 

Therefore, talk to the contractor and make sure you install gutters and accessories that are designed to withstand the harsh climate in Mississippi.

5. Incorrect Downspout Placement 

Whether you install sectional or seamless gutters, both of them will be connected to the downspout, which is the vertical pipe that carries rainwater from the gutter sections to the ground. 

You should avoid making common mistakes, like installing the downspouts without the proper slope. As a general practice, downspouts should be placed every 35 to 40 feet, and you’ll typically find them located on the corners of a building. 

Hiring a professional will ensure careful planning and placement of downspouts during the installation or replacement project to ensure proper water drainage. Consider the layout of your property and the slope of the land to determine the best location for downspouts. 

How Can You Take Care Of Your Gutters?

After you install the gutters, you need to take care of them in order to make them last. Here are some things to take into consideration: 

• Regularly clean debris from gutters to prevent clogs and water damage
• Ensure gutters are securely attached and free of holes that may cause leaks
• Trim overhanging branches to prevent them from damaging or clogging gutters
• Install gutter guards to reduce the amount of debris entering the gutters
• Inspect gutters annually and after severe weather to prevent issues and prolong their lifespan

Also Read: Leaky Gutters? Discover How To Fix And Maintain Your Sectional Gutters Like A Pro

Get The Best Gutter Installation In Jackson, MS 

We hope that you are now more aware of the common mistakes that can occur when installing gutters. Take note of these and make sure that you are in communication with your roofing contractor to avoid them from happening. If you’re looking for professional expertise when it comes to your home, contact the team at Renova Roofing & Construction. We offer the best gutter installation in Jackson and surrounding areas of Mississippi. 

Our team of experts is ready to help you choose the perfect gutters for your home and install them quickly and efficiently. You can trust us to provide excellent customer service and top-notch workmanship. Contact us today at (601) 647-3433 to learn more about us and how we can help you get the best roof and gutters.