A downspout, a roof gutter, water collection channel, or other water drain channel is part of a rainwater system for a structure built to resist the effects of climate. Rainwater runoff from a roof to the gutter channel is usually a run off with a length of pipe extending from the roof structure to a downspout. The size and shape of the channel are selected based on the anticipated amount of water to be run off the roof and whether it is used as an impaction control or water diversion system.
There are numerous benefits in selecting the right gutter placement and design for your home. In addition to the design of the guttering and system of the roof, the type and size of the outfall must be determined to match the existing conditions. For instance, a house with old single-ply shingles may need to have the outfall of the roof placed further away from the dwelling to reduce water run-off, while a newer home with thicker slabs with multiple crossings will require a closer placement to ensure proper water flow from the roof to the gutter. Another example of potential gutter placement is the type of flashing required to meet building code requirements.
If your gutters are not positioned properly or inadequately, they can lead to overflowing gutters, which can lead to foundation-mounted water damage. Overflowing gutters can pose a serious risk to your home’s structural integrity. Cracks in the shingles or missing ladders can allow water to seep through and damage the roof, walls, and foundation. The primary cause for overflowing gutters is the presence of ice that has frozen over the gutters. As ice accumulates, it can expand and break through the seams in the gutter and cause a clog.
In addition to potential dangers present in the placement of the roof gutters, another concern is the effect of steep roof slope on water runoff. When the roof is slanted at an angle towards the house, more water moves over the roof slope due to the lack of runoff. This increase in water runoff creates a faster rate of drainage of excess rainwater. Slant is one of the primary considerations for selecting the right type and size of gutter system.
A roof that is steeply pitched will also create drainage challenges with loose roof gutters and will cause rainwater to bypass gutters altogether. You should first inspect the slope of the roof to see if it is satisfactory for your purposes. If the slope is too steep, you may want to add extra reinforcement to strengthen the roof and to stabilize the roof structure.
A roof repair contractor will typically ask questions and have a couple of suggestions for fixing a roof that has an overshoot problem or clogged gutters. The contractor may suggest a number of options including adding a fascia board or adding bracing to stabilize the roof. Another option is to add an additional roof shingle to the top of the roof. In most cases, the contractor will also recommend that you repair and replace all loose roof shingles.