Stormwater Management and Gutter / Downspout Maintenance and Design
“What does not kill you, only makes you stronger…” does not apply to stormwater problems. Contact Premier Roofing for a water management plan estimate. We install aluminum and copper gutters of all different colors, sizes and shapes. Premier will solder all the seams and ensure rain gets off your roof immediately and smoothly. Water problems can severely hurt the value of your property. Standing water on property creates buggy swamps in your yard and moldy conditions. Water problems will kill your plants and destroy your landscape. Persistent damp conditions can even be bad for your health if black mold starts to grow.
When to Replace Gutters and Downspouts:
- Existing gutters are bent, disfigured and sloping away from the downspouts. This can be caused by ice damning and improper sized gutters.
- When gutters are undersized and rainwater spills over the gutters when it rains. Gutters can be 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches in diameter. The bigger and steeper the roof, the larger the gutter needs to be.
- When gutters look old, paint is peeling off or you want a different style a look.
- When getting a new roof installed. You already need to remove and replace the gutters, so it is a good time to get new material since the labor costs are already being incurred. When the gutters are removed, check the wood fascia boards to be sure it is in good repair and not rotten.
K-shaped Gutters vs Round; 6 inch vs 5?
Clean and Clear Gutters and Down Spouts Routinely
At least seasonally in the fall and spring. Make sure gutters are open and in good repair. Gutters usually need maintenance annually and repairs every few years. Seamless gutters usually last longer than ones with seams, because leaves get stuck at the seams. If gutters are not kept clear, water will damn up under the roofing shingles and cause wood rot. Drip edge can help with this problem. Gutter guards and other systems exist to keep leaves and debris out of gutters, but are they worth the expense?
Ensure Gutters Slope Towards Downspouts
Rainwater falls into the gutters and is supposed to rolled towards and drain out the downspouts. Poor gutter design or damaged gutters may not grade in the proper direction. After years of snow and ice damage, gutters can require replacement. It is best to replace gutters and downspouts when getting a new roof installed. At this time they need to be removed and replaced anyway. If the gutters are in good repair, the same gutters and downspouts can be re-installed.
What Size Gutters?
Ultimately bigger is better. The gutter size needs to match the amount of water dumping into the gutter at a given time. Larger roofs require larger gutters. Steeper roofs will drain faster and need larger gutters. Also water rolls off metal roofs installations faster than cedar shake roofs and slate roofing tiles.
Use Gutter Guards
To landscape debris such as leaves and sticks from getting stuck deep inside of downspouts and water drainage systems.
Strategic Planting of Trees and Shrubs
Plants, shrubs and gardens hold dirt in place and use water themselves. Root systems can help create and hold positive grades also.
Extend Downspout Drains Away From Your House
The best solution is to install underground smooth PVC drains to carry water away from the building and out to dry wells and public stormwater systems. Do not use corrugated pipes as they trap leaves and dirt.
Direct Water to a Dry Well or Public Stormwater Systems
Sump pumps are sometimes necessary to direct water away from a building and out towards dry wells and public water systems. For example, basement sub grade entrances with drains need to be pumped up, out and away from the building to prevent backup and flooding. Be sure sump pumps have battery backup power systems in the event of an electrical service outage. Seek the help of a professional for a design. A basement level flood can be catastrophic.
Correct Negative Grades
This will require heavy digging, powerful digging, but it is necessary to force water away from a building. If water is left to pool around the foundation, it can cause basement floods, dirt erosion and even permanent foundation damage.
Correct Standing Water Problems
Fill potholes and areas where water pools with dirt. Try to get water to roll towards the street or down a hill and away from the foundation. Standing water can also cause landscape problems and mosquito infestations.
Add more permeable surfaces
This can be expensive, but adding pavers or gravel can drain water and help disperse stormwater. Hardscape such as concrete driveways and patios, landscape stone will not allow water to drain like dirt, grass, bushes and other permeables.