Gutters in Gulfport, FL

Florida's residential code requires gutters on any building whose eaves project less than 6 inches, except at gable end rakes or where a roof sits above another roof. The downspout outlet has to land at least 1 foot from the sidewall. On a Gulfport lot with a small setback, that foot decides whether the water runs away from the foundation or back under it.

• Run the discharge at least 1 foot from the wall by underground pipe, tail extension or splash block.
• Check that the grade at the outlet falls away from the house, not toward it.
• Match the leader to the roof plane it serves, using the plumbing code's gallons-per-minute table.

Each leader has a capacity. A 4-inch round carries 192 gpm and a 2-by-2-inch leader carries 30. A wall that sheds rain onto the roof counts toward the roof area the gutter must serve.

Southern live oaks are semi-evergreen and drop leaves and fruit as a litter problem. Pollen season runs January through June, with a peak in March and April, and oaks are among the major producers. Between September and November, the bulk of the pine needles come down. Clean gutters in spring and fall, and more often under heavy canopy, so they are clear before the June to September rain that brings about 62 to 63 percent of the year's total.

Fine-mesh guards kept more debris out in one consumer test, but none held up well in a severe downpour, and they still need brushing in high-pollen months. Plan on a ladder visit or a paid cleaning either way.