Why Gutters Matter More Here
A 1,500 square foot roof sheds about 900 gallons of water during a 1-inch rainstorm. We get 40+ inches per year. That's roughly 36,000 gallons annually that your gutters need to capture and direct away from your foundation.
What Failing Gutters Cause
- • Foundation cracks and settling (most expensive)
- • Basement water intrusion
- • Fascia board rot
- • Soil erosion around the home
- • Stained and damaged siding
Foundation repairs start at $5,000 and can exceed $20,000. Properly functioning gutters are cheap insurance.
Gutter Sizing for PNW Rain
Most homes come with 5-inch gutters. For many PNW homes, that's undersized.
5-Inch Gutters
Handle 5,500 gallons/hour
Adequate for: Smaller homes (<1,800 sqft), moderate roof pitch, few trees
6-Inch Gutters
Handle 8,000 gallons/hour (40% more)
Better for: Larger homes, steep roofs, heavy tree coverage, long roof runs
Full sizing guide: Gutter Sizes: 5-Inch vs 6-Inch for Your Home
The cost difference between 5" and 6" is typically 15-20%. On a $2,000 gutter job, that's $300-400 for significantly better performance. In our climate, it's usually worth it.
The Truth About Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are heavily marketed with claims of "never clean your gutters again." The reality is more nuanced, especially in the PNW.
What Guards Do Well
- • Keep leaves and large debris out
- • Reduce cleaning frequency significantly
- • Prevent animal nesting
- • Reduce ice dam risk
What Guards Don't Do
- • Eliminate cleaning entirely
- • Handle pine needles well (most types)
- • Prevent moss/algae growth
- • Work well if poorly installed
Detailed analysis: Are Gutter Guards Worth It? Honest Cost-Benefit Analysis
Bottom line: Quality guards reduce maintenance from 2-4x yearly to 1x yearly. That's valuable. But "maintenance-free" claims are marketing.
Maintenance Schedule That Prevents Problems
Gutter maintenance in Clark County isn't optional. Here's the schedule:
Late Spring (May-June)
Clear winter debris, check for damage from storms, ensure downspouts drain away from foundation
Late Fall (November)
Clear leaves before heavy rains hit. This is the critical cleaning - clogged gutters in winter cause ice dams and overflow damage
After Major Storms
Quick visual check. Look for sagging sections, overflowing during rain, or water stains on fascia
DIY inspection guide: How to Inspect Your Gutters Yourself
Common Gutter Problems in the PNW
Overflowing During Heavy Rain
Causes: Undersized gutters, clogged downspouts, insufficient downspout count, improper slope
Fix: Clean first. If still overflowing, you likely need larger gutters or additional downspouts.
Sagging Sections
Causes: Hangers too far apart, fascia rot, water weight from clogs
Fix: Add hangers (should be every 2-3 feet in PNW). Check fascia for rot.
Water Behind Gutters
Causes: Missing drip edge, gutters mounted too low, damaged flashing
Fix: Install proper drip edge. Fascia rot often follows - inspect carefully.
Gutter Problems?
We diagnose and fix gutter issues, from simple cleanings to full replacements. Free estimates.