Gutters are essential for protecting your home and lawn from water damage. You need to properly prepare your home if you’re upgrading to a new system. Here are a few steps to ensure the new gutter installation is a success.

How to Get Ready for Gutter Installation

1. Check for Water Damage

Gutters attach to the fascia and soffits, so check these parts for water damage. If they’re soft to the touch or the wood is rotten, have them repaired or replaced. 

2. Paint

If you plan to paint your home exterior or the new soffits and fascia, do so before the gutters are installed. It’s much easier to paint without the gutters and downspouts in the way, and you won’t have to worry about accidentally getting paint on them. 

3. Determine Your Drainage Needs

Standard gutters are six inches wide. Steep roofs may need wider gutters and more downspouts to handle the faster flow of rainwater. If you live in a rainy area, you may want seven to eight-inch gutters. 

Downspouts are recommended every 40 feet. But if you live on a small plot, you have a smaller drain field, in which case you might want one to two more rectangular downspouts. Each expands the drainage area by 600 sq. ft. by evenly ejecting water from your property.

4. Clear Debris

Create a clear working space for the gutter installation professionals by removing all items from around your home exterior. They can then put their ladders in place. You may also need to trim back shrubs or use a hose to blast plant debris from your roof.

Overhanging tree branches may wrench gutters loose during high winds. They’ll also deposit debris in the gutters that will block water flow. Hire an arborist to trim branches away from your home before your installation date.

If you’re ready to schedule gutter installation, contact Amakua Raingutters. Based in Honolulu, these professionals serve customers throughout Oahu, handling installation, rain gutter repairs, and gutter cleaning. They also stock copper and aluminum products, which you can learn more about on their website. Call (808) 258-6994 to make an appointment.