Gutters and Drainage for Southwest Florida Homes: A Hiring Guide

Southwest Florida gets most of its rain in the summer wet season, often in short, heavy afternoon storms. That's also when many seasonal owners are away. Water pouring off a roof edge can splash dirt and mildew onto stucco, wash out mulch and pavers, pool against the slab and run into lanais and entryways. Good gutters and drainage move that water where you want it.

Do you need gutters at all?

Many Florida homes were built without full gutters, and that can be fine on a house with wide overhangs and ground that slopes away. Gutters are most useful over doorways, garage doors, lanais and pool cages, walkways, and anywhere you see splash marks, erosion, puddles near the foundation or water stains on the walls. If your home is in an HOA, check whether gutter color, style or downspout placement needs approval before work starts.

Seamless aluminum is the local standard

Most SWFL gutter companies roll seamless aluminum gutters on site from a coil, cut to the length of each run, so there are joints only at corners and downspouts. Fewer joints mean fewer places to leak. Ask about the gutter size (5-inch and 6-inch are common), the downspout size, the metal thickness and how the gutters are hung. Hidden hangers screwed into the fascia hold up better than the older spike-and-ferrule style.

Downspouts and where the water goes

A gutter only moves the problem if the downspout dumps water right next to the foundation. Ask the installer how each downspout will discharge: a splash block, an extension, or an underground drain line to a safe spot in the yard. Underground lines should have a way to clean them out, because they can clog with roof grit and leaves. Don't send water onto a neighbor's lot or across a sidewalk, and check local rules before tying into a storm drain.

Fascia, soffit and the roof edge

Gutters hang on the fascia board. If the fascia is soft or rotted, it needs repair before new gutters go up. Many gutter companies also install aluminum soffit and fascia wrap. If your roof is due for replacement soon, ask whether it makes sense to wait so the gutters aren't removed and reinstalled. See our roofer guide.

Gutter guards

Guards and screens keep out leaves, palm debris and oak tassels, which helps when nobody is home to clean the gutters. No guard is maintenance-free: fine debris and roof grit still build up, and some guards need to be lifted off to clean underneath. Ask what the guard is made of, how it attaches, and whether it affects your roof warranty.

Gutters on an empty seasonal home

Have gutters cleaned before you leave in spring and again after storm season.
Ask your home watch provider to look for overflowing gutters, loose downspouts and new wall stains after big storms.
Before a hurricane, check that gutters and downspouts are firmly attached; loose sections can blow off. See our hurricane prep guide for absentee owners.
After a storm, have damaged runs repaired quickly so water isn't dumped against the house during the next rain.

Licensing, permits and insurance

Ask whether the company holds a Florida contractor license and look it up at myfloridalicense.com, and ask your city or county building department whether your project needs a permit. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, since the crew will be working on ladders at your home. Our guide to hiring a licensed contractor explains how to check.

What a gutter quote should include

Linear feet of gutter and the number and size of downspouts.
Gutter size, metal thickness, color and the hanger type and spacing.
Removal and disposal of old gutters.
Any fascia or soffit repair, priced separately.
Where each downspout drains, and the cost of any underground lines.
Gutter guards, if wanted, priced as an option.
Workmanship warranty and any manufacturer warranty.

Find gutter companies in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero and Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte, or browse all gutter companies.

General information only. It is not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Check with your insurer, HOA and licensed professionals.