Gutter installation for Florida rain

Do Florida homes need gutters?

Many Central Florida homes are built without them, and in a dry month you won’t notice. In the rainy season, when an afternoon storm can drop a lot of water in a short time, roof runoff falls in a sheet along the drip line. That washes mulch and soil out of the beds, splashes dirt up the walls, and leaves water standing against the slab and the pool deck. Gutters and downspouts collect that water and send it where you choose.

Where should the water go?

A gutter is only as good as its downspouts. We look at where each one will discharge before installing anything:

• Away from the foundation, with an extension or a splash block so the water lands a few feet out.
• Toward the lawn or a planted area that can soak it up, not onto the driveway or into the street.
• Not across a walkway where it will leave a slick, dark stain.

UF/IFAS lists reducing stormwater runoff among the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping; sending roof water into a lawn or bed instead of down the driveway is a simple way to do it.

What does installation include?

We measure the roof edges, lay out the runs and downspout positions, install the gutters and downspouts, add extensions or splash blocks, and clean up. Your written quote lists the linear feet, the number of downspouts and where each one will drain.

Trees, palms and gutters

Leaves and palm debris fill gutters fast. If branches hang over the roof, it often makes sense to trim the trees or palms first. It also helps with hurricane prep.

When is the best time to install?

Before the rainy season and hurricane season, which runs June 1 to November 30. Spring is the easiest time to schedule. Gutters can go up any time of year, though, and a dry morning is all we need.

Pair it with

Downspouts that drain into beds work best with fresh mulch or decorative rock where the water lands. After installation, a pressure wash removes the old splash marks from the walls.

Sources

• UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping — The nine principles
• NOAA National Hurricane Center — Tropical cyclone climatology