Most gutters & downspouts projects don't fail because a contractor made one dramatic error — they fail because small, cheap-looking decisions stack up.
These are the mistakes we see most often on Houston jobs, and the ones we vet every scope against before we start.
1. 5" gutters instead of 6"
Standard 5" gutters overflow in Houston downpours. 6" seamless is the correct spec.
2. Spike-and-ferrule hangers
They pull loose. Hidden hangers on 24" centers hold under heavy rain.
3. Undersized 2x3 downspouts
2x3s clog constantly. 3x4 handles our storm volume.
4. No slope to downspouts
Flat runs pool, rot fascia, and grow mold. ¼" per 10 ft is the minimum.
5. Discharging at the foundation
Splash blocks at the wall cause settlement. Route water 6+ ft away.
How to vet your contractor
Read your gutters & downspouts bid line by line and ask which of these mistakes are being avoided — in writing. A contractor who welcomes the question is the one you want; a contractor who deflects is the one to walk away from.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on a scope of work or an existing bid, we're happy to walk through it with you.
