Gutters: The Unsung Heroes Of Home Protection
Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their gutters and downspouts… until there’s a problem. Overflowing water, peeling paint, water in your basement, and rotting fascia boards are just some of the headaches that start with an undersized or poorly installed system.
The truth is simple: gutters and downspouts are one of your home’s most important defenses against water damage. When designed and installed correctly, they protect your foundation, landscaping, siding, and roofline for decades. No home is complete without a proper rain management system.
At Sheridan Sheet Metal, we’ve been fabricating and installing gutters and downspouts in Minnesota for more than 75 years. We know that no two homes are exactly alike, and neither are their gutter needs. From sizing and material selection to expert installation, here’s what every homeowner should know before choosing a new system.
Why Gutters And Downspouts Matter More Than You Think
Gutters and downspouts do more than collect rainwater. They channel water away from your home in a controlled way, preventing foundation and landscape damage that can cost thousands to repair. Done right, they:
- Keep basements and crawl spaces dry by directing water away from the foundation
- Protect landscaping, patios, and walkways from erosion
- Prevent water stains, rot, and mold on siding, fascia, and soffits.
- Reduce the risk of cracks forming in your foundation.
- Extend the lifespan of your roofline and exterior finishes.
When people think about exterior upgrades, they usually focus on roofing or siding. But without a reliable gutter and downspout system, even the best roof won’t protect your home from water-related issues.
Gutter Sizing: The Foundation Of A Reliable System
One of the biggest misconceptions is that gutters are one-size-fits-all. In reality, gutter sizing is one of the most important design decisions you can make.
What Determines Gutter Size?
- Roof Area: The larger the roof, the more water it sheds.
- Roof Pitch and Flow: Steeper slopes move water faster, increasing the flow rate that gutters must handle.
Most homes use either 5-inch or 6-inch gutters. A 5-inch system may work for small- or medium-sized roofs, but homes with larger roof planes or steeper pitches often need 6-inch gutters to avoid overflow during heavy rainfall.
Don’t Forget the Downspouts
A gutter isn’t designed to hold water… its job is to move it out quickly. That’s why downspout sizing is just as critical. An undersized downspout can’t empty the gutter fast enough, leading to overflow even if the gutter is properly sized.
At Sheridan Sheet Metal, our estimators evaluate the entire water flow pattern of your roof, ensuring the gutter and downspout combination will handle peak storms without backup.
Gutter Styles: Function And Curb Appeal
Different gutter profiles serve different purposes and bring distinct looks to your home. There are more than you probably think! Check out our color options for an idea of what’s available.
K-Style Gutters
The most common choice, K-style gutters have a flat back and a decorative front edge that resembles crown molding. They’re efficient, versatile, and blend well with most architectural styles.
Half-Round Gutters
For historic homes or high-end properties, half-round gutters are a popular choice. Their smooth, rounded shape offers excellent water flow while adding timeless charm. Sheridan Sheet Metal Company carries the largest selection of half-round gutters in Minnesota.
Custom Gutter Systems
Not every home fits a standard solution. Unique rooflines, modern designs, or architectural details sometimes call for a custom-fabricated system. That’s why we have an in-house metal shop. Sheridan can design and manufacture gutters and downspouts that fit your home’s exact needs, in both function and appearance.
See colors, styles, and real home inspirations.
Gutter Materials: Which One Is Right For Your Home?
Copper Gutters
- Why homeowners choose them: Timeless beauty that develops a natural patina over time.
- Performance: Every joint is soldered, making the system watertight and durable.
- Best for: Historic homes, high-end designs, or homeowners seeking a long-lasting premium material.
Prefinished Steel Gutters
- Why homeowners choose them: Strength, durability, and color variety.
- Performance: Factory-applied finishes resist wear and expansion. Steel withstands Minnesota winters better than aluminum.
- Best for: Homeowners who want the strongest option with customizable finishes.
Raw Galvanized Steel Gutters
- Why homeowners choose them: Rugged, industrial appearance.
- Performance: Functional and durable, but requires maintenance to prevent corrosion.
- Best for: Homes or projects where a raw metal look is desired.
Aluminum Gutters
- Why homeowners choose them: Lower cost and widespread availability.
- Performance: Lightweight but less durable under snow and ice. Expansion and contraction shorten lifespan.
- Best for: Mild climates. In Minnesota, steel is almost always a smarter investment.
Installation Considerations: Why Experience Counts
Even the best materials can fail with poor installation. A reliable gutter system depends on proper slope, secure attachment, and well-placed downspouts.
Sheridan’s Installation Approach
- Experienced team: Our installers are employees, not subcontractors. Many have decades of hands-on expertise.
- Proven track record: Our lead gutter installer has been with us for more than 40 years.
- Quality assurance: We back our installations with a 5-year workmanship warranty and offer material warranties of up to 20 years.
The (Real) Risks of Poor Installation
- Overflow and leaks that damage siding and foundations.
- Sagging gutters caused by weak attachment points.
- Water pooling near the foundation, leading to basement leaks.
- Premature system failure under the weight of snow and ice.
With Sheridan, you get more than gutters and downspouts… you get the confidence of knowing they’re built and installed to last.
The Sheridan Difference
Why do homeowners, contractors, and even competitors turn to Sheridan Sheet Metal Company?
- Range of Options: From copper to steel to custom fabrication, we offer much more than the standard.
- In-House Fabrication: Unique home? No problem. We manufacture custom profiles and sizes.
- Expert Estimators: Our team balances performance, aesthetics, and budget for every project.
- Commitment to Quality: We’ve been family-run for more than 75 years, and our reputation is built on doing the job right.
- Trusted by the Industry: When others can’t solve a problem, they call Sheridan.
Invest In Gutters That Last Decades
A high-quality gutter and downspout system is more than a finishing touch… it’s an essential part of protecting your home. From sizing and material selection to custom fabrication and expert installation, Sheridan Sheet Metal Company has the experience and resources to design a system that performs beautifully for decades.
Ready to find the right gutters for your home? Contact the team at Sheridan Sheet Metal today to start your fast, free estimate.
