Gutters in Auburndale, FL

On most homes with eaves that stick out less than 6 inches, Florida code calls for gutters paired with downspouts. Every downspout has to let water out at a point no closer than 1 foot from the sidewall. Buried pipe, extended tails or splash blocks are all acceptable ways to satisfy that requirement.

Auburndale has 7,708 housing units and about 35 percent were built before 1980, so many homes here may still discharge water right at the foundation. Many houses here are likely older, so check the discharge point on your own lot before the next storm season.

• Check that every downspout outlet sits a minimum of 1 foot away from the house wall.
• Look for splash blocks that have sunk or washed away
• Check that water does not pool against the foundation after rain

Southern live oaks drop leaves and fruit that become a litter problem in gutters. Their trees can reach 60 to 80 feet tall. Pine needles peak in the autumn months from September through November, and they can collect in the same gutters.

A useful rhythm under oaks and pines is cleaning after the spring oak drop and pollen, which runs from January to June with peaks in March and April, then before the June to September storm season, and again after the autumn needle peak. Tower Hill Insurance Group advises clearing gutters no less than twice yearly, and sooner when trees hang over the roofline.