Think of your roofline as the brim of a giant hat. Without gutters, that brim just dumps a waterfall right onto your foundation. It’s a slow-motion disaster, like accidentally watering your basement every time it rains.
So where do you put these squadrons of aluminum? The short answer: everywhere water falls off the roof. But it’s cooler than that.
Start with the Obvious: Eaves and Rake Edges
The most basic spot is along the eaves—the lowest edge of your roof. This is where gravity wins the argument. Water velocity is highest here, so a gutter catches it like a wide receiver.
Don’t forget the rake edges, the sloping sides of a gable roof. If your rake edge overhangs, water will find it. A little drip there can stain your siding or rot the fascia board underneath.
