Questions and answers
Gutter, soffit and fascia questions, answered
Straight answers to what people ask before they call: gutter size, downspouts, guards, fascia, soffit, and how an estimate works. If yours is not here, call Valera at (864) 800-9663.
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Gutters and downspouts
- What is a K-style gutter?
- K-style is the common gutter profile, with a flat back that mounts straight onto the fascia and a front shaped like crown molding. It carries more water than half-round. We install it in 5-inch and 6-inch.
- How do I know if my gutters are too small?
- Water spilling over the front in a hard rain, with the gutter level and clear, usually means too small. Large and steep roofs often need 6-inch gutters and 3x4 downspouts.
- Why do my gutters overflow when they look clean?
- Common causes are too few or too small downspouts, a gutter that has lost its pitch, or a clogged outlet. A look at the roof and the run usually shows which one it is.
- Should my gutters have a slope?
- Yes, a slight pitch toward the downspouts keeps water moving. A gutter that sags holds water in the middle, which leads to overflow, stains and rot at the fascia.
- How far should downspouts drain from the house?
- As far from the wall as you can get it, and farther on heavy clay or flat ground. An extension or buried pipe does that. A splash block alone moves water only about two feet.
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Leaf guards
- Do leaf guards work?
- They reduce the debris that reaches your gutter, so you clean less. They do not end cleaning, because grit and small debris still collect. They earn their keep most on lots with trees near the house.
- Do guards clog?
- Any guard can build up on top over time, and fine mesh can silt up. Expect an occasional clearing. That is far less work than emptying the whole trough.
- What types of guard do you install?
- Perforated aluminum and fine mesh. Perforated aluminum is a sturdy sheet with holes. Fine mesh has smaller openings. We recommend one based on your trees and your roof.
- Can guards go on gutters I already have?
- Yes, when the gutters are sound. We check size, pitch and condition first, because a guard cannot fix a sagging or undersized gutter. Sometimes new gutters are the better start.
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Fascia and soffit
- Which is fascia and which is soffit?
- Fascia is the board along the roof edge that the gutter hangs on. Soffit is the panel on the underside of the overhang. Look up from your porch: the flat panel overhead is soffit.
- How can I tell if my fascia is rotten?
- Look for peeling paint, dark stains, soft spots, or a gutter that has pulled away. Press with a screwdriver tip. If it sinks in, the wood is soft. We check this at the estimate.
- Does aluminum fascia wrap stop rot?
- It keeps rain and sun off sound wood, which helps. It does not repair wood that is already soft, and it can hide it. Rotted fascia boards are a job we do: they are replaced rather than left under the wrap.
- Why does soffit need to be vented?
- Vented soffit lets outside air into the attic. Without airflow a damp attic can grow moisture and mold. Insulation pushed against the eaves can also block the vents, so we check.
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Working with us
- Is the estimate really free?
- Yes. The estimate is free.
- Are you insured?
- Yes, City Installation LLC is fully insured.
- Do you take away the old gutters?
- Yes. We remove and dispose of old gutters and downspouts. They come down first, which lets us check the fascia behind them.
- Do you do commercial work?
- Yes, we install commercial gutters and downspouts as well as residential. Describe the building when you call, and Valera tells you plainly whether it is a job we take on.
- Where do you work?
- Spartanburg and Greenville counties, including Boiling Springs, Duncan, Lyman, Inman, Moore, Wellford, Greer, Taylors, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Travelers Rest and Five Forks.
Still have a question? Call Valera
Call (864) 800-9663 or send the form. The estimate is free.