Gutters & Drainage
Gutters are part of the roof system, not an accessory. In North Texas the real design problem is volume: our rain arrives in short, intense bursts, and undersized gutters overflow at the exact moment they matter, sending water into fascia, soffit and foundation.
Sizing for North Texas rain
Five-inch gutters are the residential default and are adequate for many homes. Six-inch gutters with three-by-four downspouts move substantially more water and are worth the upgrade on homes with large roof planes, steep pitches, or long runs feeding a single downspout. Downspout count and placement matter as much as gutter size; a correctly sized gutter with too few downspouts still overflows.
What failing gutters cost you
- Rotted fascia and soffit at the roof edge, which becomes a roofing repair
- Water dumping at the foundation, a serious issue in North Texas expansive clay soils
- Eroded landscaping and stained masonry
- Ice and debris dams in the rare hard freeze
- Fascia-mounted gutters pulling loose because the wood behind them is already soft
Gutter guards, honestly
Guards reduce cleaning frequency; they do not eliminate maintenance. Under heavy live oak and pecan cover they help considerably. Cheap plastic screens tend to sag and trap debris on top, which is worse than no guard at all. If you want guards, buy a rigid product and expect to inspect them annually.
Frequently asked questions
- Should gutters be replaced with the roof?
- If they are more than roughly 15 years old, dented from hail, or pulling away from the fascia, yes. Doing both together produces a cleaner roof edge and avoids paying for two separate mobilizations.
- What size gutters do I need in DFW?
- Five-inch is standard; six-inch with larger downspouts is the right call for large or steep roof planes and long runs. We size based on the drainage area feeding each run rather than applying one size to the whole house.
- Does hail damage gutters?
- Yes. Dented gutters and downspouts are frequently included in a hail claim, and adjusters often use gutter and soft-metal damage as corroborating evidence when evaluating the roof itself.
- How often should gutters be cleaned in North Texas?
- Twice a year for most homes, with an extra pass after heavy leaf drop if you have mature trees. Clogged gutters in a hard spring rain are one of the most preventable causes of fascia damage we see.
Keep reading
Gutters overflowing?
We will check sizing, slope and downspout capacity, not just look for clogs.
Or call (972) 999-8388