Gutter Installation Tools - Professional Equipment for Quality Installs

Most residential homes use 5-inch K-style gutters, which handle roofs up to about 5,500 square feet in Alpharetta's rainfall conditions. Homes with larger roof areas, steep pitches, or multiple roof sections draining to single gutters may need 6-inch gutters. Downspout sizing matters too - 2x3 inch downspouts pair with 5-inch gutters, while 3x4 inch downspouts serve 6-inch gutters. When in doubt, upsize - larger gutters cost slightly more but handle heavy Georgia storms better.

Standard spacing is 24-32 inches between hangers, but Alpharetta's heavy rainfall benefits from closer spacing at 18-24 inches. Position hangers within 6 inches of each seam and end cap. At corners and near downspout outlets, add extra hangers for support. Closer spacing prevents the sagging that occurs when water-filled gutters exceed hanger capacity during intense storms.

Gutters should slope 1/4 inch per 10 feet of run toward downspouts. For 40-foot runs, that's 1 inch total drop. Longer runs may need downspouts at both ends with a high point in the middle, sloping both directions. Insufficient slope causes standing water and debris accumulation; excessive slope looks odd and may overflow at the high end during heavy rain.

Use screws for attaching hangers to fascia where future adjustment or removal may be needed. Use rivets for permanent gutter connections - seams, corners, end caps, and downspout outlets. Rivets provide superior strength, won't back out over time, and create flush surfaces that don't obstruct water flow. Always use aluminum rivets with aluminum gutters to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Yes - seal all joints including slip joints between gutter sections, miter corners, end caps, and outlet connections. Apply sealant inside joints before assembly, then seal the exterior seam for double protection. Even 'snap-together' systems benefit from sealant - the snaps provide alignment, but sealant ensures watertight connections. In Alpharetta's climate, unsealed joints eventually leak.

Plan one downspout per 20-30 linear feet of gutter, or one per 600 square feet of roof area draining to that gutter section. Downspouts should be positioned to direct water away from the foundation, ideally to areas with natural drainage away from the house. Add extra downspouts rather than creating long gutter runs to single downspouts - this improves drainage and reduces stress on the system.