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GUTTER INTRODUCTION

Gutters that are properly installed will carry away thousands of gallons of water every year. But if they are not installed correctly, or if they leak, water can spill over (especially when the gutters ice up), saturate the foundation, and seep into the house. It's safe to say that incorrectly installed or leaky gutters are the number-one cause of damp and wet basements.

Gutter may have a half-round or "K" shape (sort of squarish) and be 4 to 5 inches across at the top. The 5-inch size is necessary for most areas.

Gutter is made of many materials, and each type requires fittings -- downspout tube, leaders, and hangers. Fittings vary slightly from one manufacturer to the other, but the same store that carries, say, Brand A gutter will also carry Brand A fittings. Hangers may be the concealed type (you can't see them when you look at the gutter); the type that wraps around the gutter and fastens to the roof (rather than the fascia board, the way the concealed type does); or those designed to fit around the molding, on the house. Aluminum spikes and ferrules may also be used. These are driven through the gutter into the fascia and, preferably, into the ends of the rafters. Lifting up the ends of the shingles on the house (if you can) ordinarily shows where rafter ends are located. To transport gutter, tie it to an extension ladder that is tied to the roof of your car.

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