| Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHY DO I NEED GUTTERS?
- Controls roof run off
- Water most destructive element to houses
- Helps prevent wet basements and walls
- Helps prevent wall stains from roof splash over
- Adds value to the home
- Prevents “waterfall” during storms when entering or leaving house
- Helps prevent erosion along roof line
top
2. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I NEED?
- Metal gutter installations sheets begin every sale or question. Tear off pads should be in all stores and begin the process
a) Identify parts
b) How to measure
c) How to install
top
3. WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS FOR MY NEEDS?
- Check the web site www.Amerimax.com
- Or call 1-800-347-2586; ask for inside sales East Coast time 8 – 5 week days
top
4. WHAT ARE EAVE TROUGHS?
Another name for gutters
top
5. WHAT ARE LEADERS?
Another name for downspouts
top
6. WHAT ARE SEAMLESS GUTTERS?
- One piece gutter roll formed at the job site
- Typically used on new homes
- Same profile as stick gutter
top
7. WHAT ARE STICK GUTTERS?
- Typically 10’ lengths sold in home centers
- Some stores stock 16’ and longer lengths
top
8. WHAT IS “K” STYLE?
- The shape or profile of the gutter, also called OGEE
- Some metal gutters are half round
top
9. CAN I MIX METALS; ALUMINUM and GALVANIZED GUTTER AND PARTS?
- Not recommended to mix metals
- Paint protects the surfaces and delays catalytic reaction of dissimilar metals
top
10. HOW MUCH PITCH IS REQUIRED FOR GUTTER RUNS?
- Water seeks its own level, a level gutter system eventually would drain to downspout end
- Recommended, gutter slope ¼” to ½” for a 10’ to 20’ gutter run
top
11. HOW MANY DOWNSPOUTS DO I NEED?
- Gutter capacity is determined by downspout drainage area
- General rule, one downspout per 20 feet of gutter
- Wide roofs and heavy rainfall areas will require more drainage in some cases
- Two sized downspouts are available
- standard 2”x 3” = 186 gal. minute
- commercial size 3” x 4” = 434 gal. minute
- Commercial size downspout will fit 5” gutters, requiring 3” x 4” outlets and elbows available where 3” x 4” downspouts are stocked
top
12. HOW MANY DOWNSPOUT BANDS DO I NEED?
Two per 10’ piece of downspout
top
13. HOW DO I CUT METAL GUTTER AND DOWNSPOUTS?
Hack saw or tin snips best way
top
14. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HANG GUTTER?
- Several types of hangers are available , best method….HIDDEN HANGER
WITH SCREW, mill finish, unpainted, can be used with any color "K"
style gutter
- Most common method , SPIKE and FERRULE
- SCREWS and FERRULES are available in heavy snow and ice load areas
- If there are no fascia boards… use ROOF HANGERS, 4 per bag with hardware,
install under the roof shingles
top
15. HOW MANY HANGERS DO I NEED?
- Ice and snow load areas … one every 18”
- Standard spacing … one every 24”
- Not necessary to hit the end of a rafter with hanger
top
16. WHAT IS A FERRULE?
Plastic tube that inserts inside the metal gutter to prevent crushing when
installing the screws and spikes
top
17. WHAT IS THE BEST CONNECTOR?
- Two options, slip joint and SEAMER, the SEAMER is the best
- SEAMERS sold Two per bag with 1 oz. Tube of sealant SEAMERMATE
- SEAMERS easiest to use and better appearance
top
18. WHEN IS A CONNECTOR NECESSARY?
- Gutter to gutter
- Gutter to mitre ( corners)
- Gutter to end with drop
top
19. DO I NEED CAULK AND HOW MUCH?
- SEAMERMATE sealant is required for connections and inside the mitre corners
- 1 oz. Trouble Shooter clip strip on a card
- 10 oz. Cartridges , extra long nozzle for easy application into gutter areas
- Average consumption , ½ oz. per connection
top
20. WHAT DOES “CRIMP” MEAN?
- Pinched
- One end of each elbow and downspout is crimped
- Crimped end fits inside a connecting piece
- Always have the crimp end facing down to prevent leaks
- Cut ends of downspout can be “hand crimped” with needle nose pliers
top
21. DO I NEED SHEET METAL SCREWS TO SECURE ELBOWS?
- Yes, sheet metal screws, 8 pcs. bubble packs and 100 count available
- Rivets may be substituted and are available in the store’s gutter area
top
22. WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “A” and “B” ELBOWS?
- FRONT or “A” elbows direct run off straight from downspout
- Two Front elbows used at the top of downspouts to direct system to wall
- SIDE or “B” elbows direct water right or left , used at bottom of downspouts
- FLEX-ELBOWS are available; these plastic elbows adjust to function as a front
or side elbow and can connect non standard installation challenges, e.g. to rain
barrels
top
23. WHAT IS AVAILALBLE TO KEEP DEBRIS OUT OF A GUTTER SYSTEM?
- STRAINER, expanded metal dome fits into downspout opening, basic
- 3’ PLASTIC SNAP – IN GUTTER GUARDS, diamond shaped openings on
surface help identify our product, other manufactures have circular holes ,
product helps prevent leaves and debris from clogging or causing over flows,
available white, black, brown
- 3’ HINGED GUTTER GUARDS, metal domed shaped, self- cleaning, two
stainless steel clips hold guard in place, hinged to allow “ flipping open” to clear
debris
- 6” x 20’ ROLLS of plastic or aluminum netting, best when used with girders, 8
packs, hold rolls in place with domed self cleaning shape.
- TOTAL 4’ GUTTER COVER , white or clay, plastic, snap in, ultimate coverage, capillary action allows water to roll off front lip into gutters while leaves, branches and pine needles wash clear
top
24. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHECK MY GUTTER SYSTEM?
- Every system should be checked twice a year, spring and fall
- Tennis balls, bird nests can clog a system and create a wet basement
top
25. WHAT CAN I USE TO DIRECT WATER AWAY FROM THE FOUNDATION?
- FLEX-A-SPOUTS are ideal for channeling water up to 55" away from downspouts,
twist into a shape to customize your rain channel around shrubs and obstacles
- SPLASHBLOCKS, molded plastic blocks that are placed under downspout
elbows
- DRIPPER FLIPPER, attach to downspout elbow, hinged to move up in mowing
areas
top
26. WATER IS NOT GETTING INTO THE GUTTER, IT DRIPS BETWEEN THE
FASCIA AND GUTTER, HOW CAN I FIX THIS?
- This is due to the shingle overhang and gutter height on the fascia board, easiest
to correct with a 10’ metal drip edge. Various profiles available in every store
- DRIP EDGE can be fitted to existing systems, slip under the shingles and friction fit or nail every 3’
- Be sure the drip edge drop dimension allows the water to carry into the gutter
top
27. WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON YOUR PRODUCTS?
Amerimax Home Products warrants to the original consumer
purchaser all materials to be free from defects in material and workmanship
at time of purchase. Warranty applies only if materials are installed and
maintained according to Amerimax's recommended practices and installation instructions.
top
28. DO YOU HAVE AN ADJUSTABLE ELBOW?
Yes- Flex-elbow; please see gutter accessories
top
29. CAN I PAINT YOUR GUTTERS? WHAT IS THE PROCESS? WHAT KIND OF PAINT SHOULD I USE?
For painted aluminum or painted galvanized steel gutter, the most important thing is to make sure the gutters are completely clean and dry. Use any exterior latex paint to complete the project.
For bare galvanized gutter, clean with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Clean completely and allow to dry. Check with your local paint expert to make sure an exterior latex will work with the bare galvanized steel.
top
30. HOW DO I INSTALL GUTTER IF I HAVE NO FASCIA BOARD?
Use a hanger with roof strap.
top
31. HOW DO I REPAIR LEAKING GUTTERS?
Refer to the tutorial on cleaning and inspection in the “Do It Yourself” link
top
32. DO YOU HAVE MITRES THAT ARE MORE OR LESS THAN 90 DEGREES?
The majority of applications will require a 90 degree mitre; for
applications of more or less than 90 degrees, a custom mitre, made in a
sheet metal shop may be the solution.
top
33. WHAT GUTTER LENGTHS ARE AVAILABLE?
Gutter is made to order and is available in almost any length, but most home centers carry on 10'; some may carry 16' and 20' or 21'.
top
34. WHAT IS THE THICKNESS OF THE FLASHINGS?
Flashing thickness varies; please check flashing page on website for more information.
top
35. WHERE CAN I BUY YOUR PRODUCTS?
In many leading home centers throughout the United States.
top
36. MY FASCIA BOARD IS SLANTED. HOW DO I INSTALL GUTTER?
top
|
