Roofing services
Gutters and downspouts in North Miami
Drainage that sends a South Florida downpour away from the roof edge, the walls and the foundation.
Carrying water off
What happens to the water after the roof
In a summer storm a roof sheds a huge amount of water. With no gutters, or gutters that overflow, it pours off the edge, splashes the walls, soaks the fascia and pools against the foundation.
Gutters depend on the roof edge: the fascia board that carries them has to be sound, and the drip edge has to deliver water into the gutter rather than behind it. That is why gutter jobs so often go hand in hand with roof work.
Gutters can be added with a new roof, or installed on their own over an existing roof.
Around North Miami, where an afternoon storm can drop a lot of rain quickly, gutter size and the number and placement of downspouts decide whether the system keeps pace or overflows.
What a gutter job includes
- Gutters sized and sloped for the roof area they drain
- Downspouts placed to take water away from the house
- The fascia that holds the gutters inspected
- Drip edge so water lands in the gutter
- Old gutters removed when they are replaced
Warning signs
Signs the gutters are failing
Trouble usually shows during a storm or just after one.
Spill-over in heavy rain
Water slopping over the lip rather than reaching the downspouts.
Dark or spongy fascia
Streaks or soft patches on the boards the gutters hang from.
Puddles by the walls
Pools or washed-out soil along the walls after rain.
Gutters that droop
Runs that pull off the fascia or sag between hangers.
After a windy storm
Gutters bent or loosened by the wind.
No gutters yet
Water dropping straight off the roof edge onto walkways and planting beds.
Questions
Questions about gutters
Are gutters necessary in South Florida?
Not every home here has them, but they do keep heavy rain off walls, fascia and foundation. Whether they make sense for you depends on the roof, the landscaping and where water collects now.
Can gutters go onto a roof that is already there?
Yes, as long as the fascia underneath is sound. If it is damaged, that gets replaced before anything is hung.
Do you install gutters during a new roof?
Yes. Doing them in the same job lets the drip edge and gutters be set up together.
What happens to the fascia behind the gutters?
Rotted or soft fascia boards are replaced first, so the gutters are hung on solid wood.
What keeps gutters working well?
Keep leaves and roof debris out, especially before the rainy season, and check that downspouts discharge away from the house.
Where should the downspouts empty?
Away from the foundation, walkways and property line, onto ground that slopes away from the house or into a drainage area. On a new installation the downspout locations are planned with you.
Can gutters overflow in a tropical storm?
In the heaviest bands of a tropical storm nearly any gutter can overflow. They are sized for ordinary summer downpours, which is where they do the most to protect walls, fascia and foundations.
Thinking about gutters?
Phone to discuss it, or send the details and we will call to arrange a visit.