Gutters are critical to any home’s exterior as they channel rainwater away from the walls and foundation. Without them, water would erode the soil around your home, damage your landscaping, and potentially cause flooding in your basement. So how high should they be on a two-story house?
On a two-story house, gutters should be installed about 5.8 meters (19 ft) from the ground. This ensures that they are high enough to catch the majority of rainfall and prevent water damage to your home, but not so high that they are challenging to clean or maintain.
The rest of this article discusses in-depth other topics related to gutters on a two-story house, including what affects the gutter height and gutter cleaning and maintenance tips. Read on for everything you need to know about gutters on a two-story home.
Factors That Affect Gutter Height
While the standard height for gutters on a two-story house is 5.8 meters (19 ft), a few factors can affect this. It’s imperative to consider these to ensure your gutters are installed at the correct height. Here are a few things that can impact gutter height:
- The slope of the roof: If your roof has a steep slope, the gutters will need to be installed higher up on the house to prevent water from overflowing. A steeper roof also means that more rainwater will be collected, so the gutters will need to be able to handle a higher volume of water.
- Type of gutter: The type of gutter you choose will also impact the height at which it needs to be installed. For example, a half-round gutter is typically installed about 2.6 meters (8.5 ft) from the ground, while a K-style gutter is installed about 3 meters (9.8 ft) from the ground.
- Type of roofing materials: Different roofing materials (shingles, tile, metal, etc.) will also affect gutter height. Shingles, for example, are installed with a slight overhang that helps protect the gutters from debris and objects that could fall and damage them.
It’s crucial to consult with a professional when having gutters installed to ensure they are the correct height for your home. They have the experience and knowledge to ensure your gutters are installed correctly.
Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
With an average installation cost of just over $1,000, it’s important to take care of your gutters to ensure they last as long as possible. Well-maintained gutters can last up to 20 years, saving you money in the long run.
Failing to clean your gutters can lead to several problems, including:
- Clogs
- Overflows
- Water damage
It’s essential to clean your gutters at least twice a year. However, if you live in an area with many trees, they may require more frequent cleanings. Here are a few tips for keeping your gutters clean:
Inspect Gutters Regularly
Regular gutter inspection is key to keeping them in good condition and catching problems early. Inspect your gutters at least once a month, looking for any signs of damage or debris. These regular inspections will help you spot any potential problems so you can address them before they cause severe damage.
Clean Out Debris
Leaves, sticks, and other organic materials can build up in your gutters and cause clogs. These clogs can prevent water from flowing properly and cause overflows. The dirt and debris can also cause water damage and staining on your gutters.
Be sure to clean out any debris that has accumulated in your gutters regularly. You can use a leaf blower to remove light debris or a garden hose to flush out heavier debris.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs are a major cause of gutter clogs. Overhanging branches can drop leaves and sticks into your gutters, causing them to clog. It’s important to regularly trim back any trees or shrubs near your house to prevent this from happening.
You can use pruning shears or a chainsaw to trim back branches. Be cautious when trimming around power lines to avoid accidents.
Hire a Professional to Clean and Inspect Your Gutters
If you feel uncomfortable cleaning or inspecting your gutters or don’t have the time, you can hire a professional to do it for you. This is a good option if you live in an area with many trees or if your gutters are difficult to reach.
Professional gutter cleaners have the experience and knowledge to safely clean and inspect your gutters. They also have the necessary equipment to reach high gutters and remove any debris, so you won’t need to buy any equipment yourself.
Before hiring a professional, check their reviews online to ensure they are reputable and have experience cleaning gutters. If you can, try to get a recommendation. You can compare quotes from multiple professionals to get the best deal.
Final Thoughts
Gutter height is an important factor to consider when having gutters installed on your two-story home. Ideally, gutters should be installed 5.8 meters from the ground to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.
However, this may vary depending on the slope of your roof and the type of roofing materials you have. Be sure to consult a professional to ensure your gutters are the correct height for your home.
