How Gutters Work

In many cases this area is simply far enough away from the house to avoid foundation damage.

How gutters work.

As the water pools it travels through the gutter system to the downspout. Think of it as a system of small canals that are open at the top to catch rainwater running off the roof channeling all the excess water into the downspouts to be drained down to the ground and away from the home. Gutters are placed at the leading edges of the roof. During rain water rolls down from the slope of the roof to the gutters.

This allows rainwater to travel around the hood and into the gutter while deflecting leaves and other debris to never clog. Downspouts harmlessly divert the water away from the house and may even send water into rain barrels where the water can be collected and stored for other uses. Depending on the system gutters are either nailed to the fascia with a clip or spike and ferrule hanger as shown at left or hung from the sheathing along the eaves before the roof is shingled which is more secure and less visible. Gutters are made of metal most often aluminum and are usually installed around the edges of the roof.

Downspouts carry water from the gutters to the base of the house. Quality downspouts expel water well away from the house. Usually gutters are installed on a slight slope that encourages the water to run away from the house and toward downspouts that are installed at the corners of the house.