Gutters · Downspouts · Repairs
Gutters and downspouts in Allentown
Gutters move a surprising amount of water away from your roof edge, walls and foundation. New runs, replacement and the small fixes that stop overflow.
What failing gutters do to a house
When a gutter overflows or leaks, the water lands where it does the most harm: against the fascia and soffit, down the face of the wall, and into the soil right beside the foundation. Over time that can mean rotted trim, stained brick, wet basements and, in winter, thick ice at the eaves.
Gutters do not cause ice dams on their own, as UMass Amherst’s building and construction technology program points out, but a gutter full of ice concentrates weight and water at the roof edge and can tear loose along with its fasteners.
Repair or replace?
- Usually a repair: a few loose hangers, a leaking seam or end cap, a section knocked out of line, a downspout that has come apart.
- Usually a replacement: gutters rusted or split along their length, runs too small for the roof above them, or a system pitched wrong from the start.
Downspouts matter as much as gutters
A gutter is only as good as the downspout draining it. Downspouts should be clear, securely fastened, and discharge far enough from the house that the water does not soak back toward the basement. On rowhomes and twins, that can also mean working out where the water can go without causing trouble next door.
Gutters on older homes
Many older Allentown houses with slate roofs carry half-round gutters, and some have copper. When repairs are needed, matching the profile and the metal keeps the house looking right and avoids mixing metals that corrode each other. See sheet metal and flashing for the custom pieces that tie gutters into the roof, and our fall gutter checklist for what to look at before winter.
FAQ
Gutters and downspouts: common questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?
At least twice a year for most houses, typically late spring and again after the leaves fall. Homes under large trees may need it more often. Clearing them before winter matters most, because frozen debris holds water at the roof edge.
Why do my gutters overflow even when they are clean?
The usual causes are a blocked or undersized downspout, a gutter that has lost its pitch, or a run that is too small for the area of roof draining into it. Watching where the overflow happens during a heavy rain helps narrow it down.
Do gutter guards stop all maintenance?
No. Guards can cut down on leaves and twigs, but fine debris and roof grit still collect, and the guards need checking and occasional cleaning. They help most under heavy tree cover.
Where should my downspouts drain?
Away from the foundation, onto ground that slopes away from the house or into a proper drain line. Water dumped right beside the wall is a common reason for damp basements.
- Phone
- (610) 432-9870
- Fax
- (610) 433-3863
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