EXTERIOR: GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

WE USE 6" GUTTERS and NEED GUTTER GUARDS ON ALL INSTALLS. If a house already has 5" gutters that are in good shape, that is fine- clean them and install gutter guards. We buy the gutter guards from Home Depot. Otherwise, we will need 6" gutter guards. We pay for gutter guard install by the LINEAR FOOT.

Patchwork items and gutter guards can be purchased from Home Depot in the Gutter List. For a complete gutter job we recommend to sub the work out to an approved vendor (see below).

GUTTER GUARDS

This is an example of gutter guards, and how they work to keep debris out of gutters so that water can go into the gutters and keep water away from the foundation of the house.

For Home Depot Purchase info: Gutters

How to Repair Leaking Gutters | The Home Depot

Youtube Link below:

Approved Gutter Vendors:

WINDOW WORLD can do gutters, and is an approved vendor for 6" gutters.

Craig Kindrickson

Daniel Rodriguez

And others that you may suggest.

REMEMBER:

When the gutter length is longer than 10 feet, it should have 2 downspouts and we need extensions into the yard for the downspouts. Also, it is a must to have gutter guards.

This is why gutter downspouts should be extended away from the house.

Gutters for multi-story house

When a house is multi-story, make sure that gutters do NOT dump on the roof. To preserve the life of the roof, dump the gutter into the next level of gutter.

SECURING DOWNSPOUTS

CORRUGATED PIPE

Corrugated pipe should not be higher than 2 1/2 feet from the base grade of the house and you need to use an adapter and screws to hold evrything together.

Another reason why gutter downspouts should be extended away from the house.

FRENCH DRAIN

A French drain is a trench that is filled with gravel or rock, or both, with or without a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area. The perforated pipe is called a weeping tile. When the pipe is draining, it "weeps", or exudes liquids.

French drains are typically used to:

Drain water away from foundations to prevent water damage
Drain water away from septic tanks to prevent the soil from becoming saturated
Drain water away from areas where water pooling is a problem, such as driveways, patios, and walkways

How to Install a French Drain that Actually Works! DIY Project

SOIL LEVELING

Here’s a brief instruction on leveling soil and using a soil compactor:

Clear the Area: Remove any debris, rocks, or vegetation from the area you plan to level.
Rough Grading: Use a shovel or rake to roughly spread the soil evenly across the area. Aim to distribute it as evenly as possible.
Measure and Mark: Place stakes around the perimeter and use string to create a level reference line. This will help you ensure the soil is leveled to the desired height.
Fine Grading: Use a rake to fine-tune the soil distribution, making sure it matches the reference lines.
Compact the Soil: Use a soil compactor to compress the soil. This helps to eliminate air pockets and prevents the soil from settling unevenly over time. Make several passes in different directions to ensure thorough compaction.
Check and Adjust: After compacting, check the level again with your string line and make any necessary adjustments by adding or removing soil and re-compacting.

Using a soil compactor is crucial as it ensures the soil is tightly packed, reducing the risk of future settling and maintaining a stable, even surface.

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