At New England Gutter Systems, we understand that choosing the right gutters for your home or business is essential to protecting your property from water damage. Whether you're located in the lush landscapes of New Hampshire, along the rugged coasts of Maine, or the historic homes of Massachusetts, ensuring proper water drainage is critical to maintaining the longevity of your roof and foundation.
One of the key factors in determining the best gutter system is understanding your roof pitch—the steepness or slope of your roof. This simple yet crucial calculation will help you select the appropriate gutter size to manage water runoff, especially in areas that experience heavy rainfall or snowfall. Not sure what gutter size you need? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Calculating your roof pitch is important when planning for gutter installation or upgrades. The roof pitch influences the design, water drainage, and the types of materials best suited for your roof.
Tools You'll Need:
- A tape measure or ruler
- A level (at least 2 feet long)
- A ladder (if measuring on the roof)
- A pencil and paper for noting measurements
You can either measure from the roof or from inside your attic along a rafter. Ensure you're in a safe location, especially if you're using a ladder.
Place your level horizontally on the roof or rafter. The bubble inside the level should be centered for accuracy. Measure 12 inches along the level from where it touches the roof or rafter—this is the "run."
At the 12-inch mark along your level, measure vertically from the bottom edge of the level down to the roof surface. This vertical distance is the "rise."
The pitch is expressed as a ratio of the rise to the run. Since you measured the rise over a 12-inch run, the pitch is the rise number you measured. For example, if your roof rises 6 inches over 12 inches of run, your roof pitch is 6/12.
Your roof pitch determines how quickly water will flow into your gutters. Steeper roofs, like those with a **9/12 or 12/12 pitch**, channel water faster, meaning you’ll need larger gutters to manage the increased runoff. Conversely, lower-pitch roofs, such as **4/12 or 5/12, may not require oversized gutters but still need to efficiently direct water away from the foundation.
To choose the correct gutter size, you need to calculate how much water your roof will channel into the gutters. This involves determining the total roof area and adjusting it for your roof pitch.
-Measure Roof Area:Multiply the length and width of each section of your roof to calculate the total roof area.
- Adjust for Roof Pitch: Roofs with steeper pitches collect more water. Use these adjustment factors based on your pitch:
- 1/12 to 3/12 pitch: Multiply roof area by 1.1
- 4/12 to 5/12 pitch: Multiply by 1.2
- 6/12 to 8/12 pitch: Multiply by 1.3
- 9/12 to 11/12 pitch: Multiply by 1.4
- 12/12 pitch or higher Multiply by 1.5
Example: If you have a 2,000 sq. ft. roof with a 6/12 pitch, multiply by 1.3, giving you an adjusted area of 2,600 sq. ft.
Check local weather data to find out the maximum rainfall intensity for your area, typically measured in inches per hour. Homes in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts may experience varying levels of rainfall. The more rainfall you get, the larger your gutters need to be.
Most residential gutters come in 5-inch or 6-inch sizes, but oversized options, like 7-inch gutters, may be necessary for larger roofs or high-rainfall regions. The most common styles are K-style gutters, which hold more water than half-round designs.
- 5-inch K-style gutters handle around 5,520 sq. ft. of roof area under moderate rainfall.
- 6-inch K-style gutters manage about 7,960 sq. ft., making them ideal for larger or steeper roofs.
- European Half-Round gutters, while more elegant, typically hold less water and may require upsizing in areas with high rainfall.
The number of downspouts and their placement is equally important for efficient water management. Ideally, plan for one downspout for every 600-800 sq. ft. of roof area. Larger gutter systems allow you to reduce the number of downspouts, but their size (commonly **2x3 inches** or **3x4 inches**) should match your gutter’s capacity. At New England Gutter Systems we use 3x4 downspouts asa standard. Years of experience has proven to us the larger downspouts the best choice for our New England climate and conditions.
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Ensure that your gutter system complies with local building codes in New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts. This may include specific requirements for gutter size, materials, and installation methods. Normally there is no permit requirement. However, if you live in a historical district you should check with the local historical association for guidance.
If you’re unsure about your measurements or the right gutter system for your roof’s needs ,contact New England Gutter Systems Our team of experts can calculate your roof pitch, assess your drainage needs, and recommend the best gutter size for your home or business.
Example Calculation for Gutter Size:
Let’s say you have a 2,000 sq. ft. roof with a **6/12 pitch**. After adjusting for pitch, your roof area is 2,600 sq. ft.
If your area’s maximum rainfall is 2 inches per hour, a **5-inch K-style gutter** may suffice. However, upgrading to a **6-inch gutter** would offer extra capacity and peace of mind, particularly if your roof has multiple slopes or you experience frequent heavy rains.
When you choose New England Gutter Systems, you get more than just a gutter installation—you get a customized solution tailored to your home’s unique needs. From European Half-Round Gutters Box Gutters Copper Gutters or K-style systems, and Gutter Guards we provide expert advice, installation, and ongoing support.
Whether you’re still unsure about your roof pitch or know exactly what size gutters you need, New England Gutter Systems is here to help. We’ll guide you through every step, from calculating your roof’s water drainage needs to installing a system that looks great and works perfectly. Protect your home from the elements with a gutter system designed to last.
Whether you need a new gutter installation, repairs, or gutter guards to protect your gutters from debris, New England Gutter Systems is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and learn how we can help protect your home or business from water damage or ask a question.
newenglandguttersystems@gmail.com
193 Auburn St., Unit 3, Manchester, NH 03103