InstaBidsWhat is a gutter?
A gutter is the channel along a roof edge that collects rainwater runoff. Downspouts carry that water down to ground level. PNNL lists typical 4-, 5-, and 6-inch gutter sizes; when planning the job, treat the channels and downspouts as the two parts of one drainage system.
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At a glance
- 4-, 5-, and 6-inch sizes.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, read 2026-11-06.
- at least 1/16 inch per foot of run.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, read 2026-11-06.
- twice a year (more often if you have trees).Portland Environmental Services, read 2026-11-06.
What this means for your home project
- Look for low or sagging stretches in the gutter line to identify the areas needing repair. Source: Portland Environmental Services, read 2026-11-06.
- Ask for the written gutter scope to state the fall per foot toward each downspout; compare it with PNNL’s 1/16-inch-per-foot guidance. (source)
- Ask the written repair scope to identify any leaks or holes proposed for caulking. Source: Portland Environmental Services, read 2026-11-06.
- Ask whether roof flashing sends runoff into the gutter, so the proposed work addresses that roof-edge connection. Source: Portland Environmental Services, read 2026-11-06.
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What size gutters do I need?
Gutter capacity increases with size, provided the downspouts can drain it. PNNL (read 2026-11-06) lists "4-, 5-, and 6-inch sizes"; a larger channel moves more water, but the downspouts remain part of that capacity decision. (source)
“Gutter channels are typically available in 4-, 5-, and 6-inch sizes.” (source) “A larger size will conduct more water at a faster rate, provided there are enough downspouts to drain the gutter channels ( EPA 2015 ).” (source)
How much of a slope should my gutters have?
Gutter runs need a fall toward their downspouts. PNNL (read 2026-11-06) gives the slope specification 1/16 inch per foot as "at least 1/16 inch per foot of run" along roof eaves. The recommended fall provides drainage toward the downspouts. (source)
“Install gutters along the roof eaves so they slope at least 1/16 inch per foot of run.” (source) “This will provide positive drainage to direct water toward the downspouts.” (source)
What materials are gutters made of?
Gutter materials include aluminum, steel, plastic, copper and wood in the University of Illinois publication F13.1 (1990; read 2026-10-30). Aluminum is "more corrosion-resistant than steel", but the same guidance says aluminum is weaker and may dent easily. (source)
“Materials commonly used to fabricate gutters and downspouts are aluminum and steel, and occasionally plastic, copper, and wood.” (source) “Aluminum gutters are more corrosion-resistant than steel, but they are not as strong and they may dent easily.” (source)
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Gutter cleaning frequency depends on nearby trees. Portland Environmental Services (read 2026-11-06) advises "Clean twice a year" and more often with trees. The city also warns that spillover from clogged gutters and downspouts can rot siding, shingles and eaves. (source)
“Clean twice a year (more often if you have trees).” (source) “Spillover from clogged gutters and downspouts can rot siding, shingles and eaves, and can erode the ground below.” (source)
Which gutter problems can be repaired instead of replaced?
Gutter leaks, holes and sagging runs have repair actions in Portland Environmental Services guidance (read 2026-11-06). The city says "Caulk leaks and holes." For low or sagging areas, its guidance describes repair with spikes or new hangers as needed. (source)
“Caulk leaks and holes.” (source) “Look for low spots or sagging areas along the gutter line and repair with spikes or place new hangers as needed.” (source)
Sources
- Gutters and Downspouts — Building America Solution Center — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; read 2026-11-06.
- F13.1 Gutters and Downspouts for the Home — Council Notes 11(3) — University of Illinois; published 1990; read 2026-10-30.
- Maintaining Home Stormwater Systems — gutter maintenance advice (Portland) — Portland Environmental Services; read 2026-11-06.