Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Homeowner,

During a rainstorm, gutters route water runoff from your home’s roof to where it can drain away from the house. By doing so, they protect siding, windows, doors, fascia boards and foundations from water damage and help prevent flooding in basements.

To do their job, gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris. If they are not, rainwater will fill the gutters, back up, overflow, and eventually pull gutters loose from their mountings. Water that pools in troughs will rot wood and rust sheet metal gutters. Therefore, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year and more often if there are a lot of trees in the area.

There are several steps to follow to ensure your gutters are thoroughly cleaned and properly repaired.   For example: our company scoops out all of the loose debris inside the gutters, blasts the gutters with a hose, clears any obstructions in the downspouts, repairs / re-caulks any leaking areas, re-spikes any loose gutters and re-levels gutters. 

To keep leaves twigs and other materials out of your gutters you may want to consider installing screens / gutter guards. There are two types of protective screens – metal screens that go on top of the gutter and ‘lightbulb’ screens – which prevent debris from obstructing the downspouts. This is a particularly good idea if your downspouts empty into drain lines, since it reduces the possibility of the lines backing up.

Although hiring a “handyman” may seem like a good idea and an easy way to save you a couple of bucks, he may not be as thorough as a professional.  A professional contractor has all the necessary licenses, insurances, tools and ladders to ensure the job is done right.  We do not send cleaning crews! Our actual installers clean & repair your gutters.  Clogged gutters can cause water leakage onto the house as the water backs up. Clogged gutters can also lead to stagnant water build up which allows grasses and weeds to grow in the gutter.


Here are some frequently asked Questions which we hope will be helpful:

  • Why should I wait for an estimate?

Our estimators have many years of experience and are well known for their excellent customer service and are capable of providing you with a detailed and thorough estimate.  Also our company has more seamless styles than any other.  We inform you of ideas they do not.  We have your best interest in mind & share ideas with you even if you do not use our company.

  •  I work during the day, do I have to be home for an estimate?

No, you don’t have to be home.  Our knowledgeable estimators can visit your home take the necessary notes and measurements to be able to provide you with an estimate for your home.  After your review, you can always call us with any questions.  We provide a diagram along with an itemization of everything.

  • Will I be sold something I don’t need?

Absolutely not!  Our estimators are professionals; their job is to provide you with a detailed estimate listing different options of gutter sizes and styles that are suitable for your home.

  • How long will it take to get my new rain gutters?

Once you have chosen the size, shape and color of your gutters, depending on the time of year, it can take anywhere from 3 days (summer/fall) to 3 weeks (winter/spring) or less. 

  • Why are my current rain gutters falling off my house?

Some of the most common reasons are:
a) The use of cheap nails. These nails have a smooth tip and with changing weather conditions (hot/cold) they tend to loosen. Which is why we only use riveted nails where the last three inches of the nail are shanked which anchors your gutters in place regardless of weather conditions. 
b) Inadequate spacing of nails.  Nails should be installed every four feet or every other beam (rafter).
c) Lack of Flashing or breaching of water through flashing causes the wood to weaken which will lead to sagging or detached gutters.

  • How are the downspouts attached to my house?

After the level of your roof line is determined for proper drainage, our foreman drills a hole in the gutter to connect the downspout. The downspout is then double or triple strapped in place by using screws and anchors.  We do not punch the gutter to connect it to the downspout, this has proven to be poor.  We install an outlet to fit it into a sleeve and into the downspout. 

  • What is flashing and why is it important?

Flashing is simply a sheet of steel or aluminum, prefabricated to fit on the joint between your roof and your fascia board.  Flashing can prevent water damage – it ensures that water does not trickle from the roof, down to the inside or sidewall.  Keep in mind that water damage can cause serious structural damage to your home.    Without Flashing water can slightly go behind the gutters. Do not let your roofer repair or replace the roof without installing Edge / Flashing metal.

  • How do I select the color of rain gutters and downspouts that compliment my home?

For customers who want to have the gutters match in we recommend you choose a gutter color to match your roofs trim and a downspout color that is similar to the exterior of your home. If you’re looking to make your gutters disappear with your home we recommend using a color that matches your roof. We carry 30 different colors to choose from plus our New  Clear Aluminum.

  • What is the best type of gutter for my home?

Every home is unique.  There are different factors which can determine a particular size and style for your home. For most homes the standard 5 inch gutter is sufficient but if you have a Tile or High-sloped roof the estimator may recommend a larger gutter (6 inch) to ensure that the water will not over shoot the gutters.  Water may over shoot 6in  Wide gutters, but it’s rare!

  • What are Gutter Guards and Strainers?

Gutter guards and downspout strainers are installed on rain gutters to prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from falling into the gutters and clogging both the gutters and downspouts. Obstructed gutters and downspouts will prevent rain water from flowing through the gutter system. Water that cannot flow freely can back-up and overflow the gutter causing damage to the landscaping and the foundation.  Installing screens does not eliminate cleanings only.  It alleviates how often  they need maintenance. 

  • Are there any new styles of gutters coming out? 

Yes.  We are excitedly awaiting the arrival of our new 4in Box gutter machine making us one of the first companies to offer it in Southern California! Just another way to prove to you that DG is always seeking new ways to provide you with a variety of gutter styles.

  • How do I choose a Rain Gutter Contractor?

When choosing a contractor they must be able to provide you with the following:

  1. A valid contractor’s license number
  2. General Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance (You can be added an an additional insured to our policy).
  3. Visit the Company.
  4. Visit a Job in Progress  –  We welcome you to..
  5. A referral list of Installations done within the last 5 years.


  • Family Owned and Operated
  • Serving Los Angeles & Ventura Countys
  • Free In-Home Design Consultations Available
  • Over 20 years experience