Older streets near downtown: check the fascia first
The original town was laid out in 1909, and the blocks around the historic downtown include some of the oldest homes and buildings in St. Cloud. On older roofs, the first things we check are the fascia boards the gutters hang from, the soffit under the overhang and the old gutter fasteners, because water that has spilled or backed up for years soaks the wood behind the gutter. Soft or stained wood means the board needs repair before new gutters go up. Small spots can sometimes be fixed. Bigger ones mean replacement. We tell you which it is at the estimate.
Flat lots and where the downspout empties
Many lots around St. Cloud are flat, so water that reaches the ground has little slope to run off. Osceola County says even low-risk areas can see localized flooding when rain exceeds what the storm drains can handle, and that street water should drain within a day or two. That makes the discharge point of your downspouts the main decision on your lot. A downspout that empties at the foundation can leave water standing by the slab, along walkways or in flower beds. Extensions and splash blocks help on some lots. Where the yard has nowhere good to send water, underground drain lines can carry it farther from the house. We look at how your lot drains during the estimate and tell you if that is worth considering.
Homes near East Lake Toho
St. Cloud sits on the south shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, the city issued a voluntary evacuation for more than a dozen areas covering over 3,400 residents as the lake rose, and the lake did not peak until Oct. 6, days after the storm. When the lake or a canal is high, yard water has fewer places to go, so the discharge point for your downspouts matters even more. Point them away from the house and toward the part of the lot that drains, not toward a low corner near the shore. Gutters manage roof runoff only. They do not stop street flooding or a rising lake, so check the city and county flood information for your address as well.
What the city drainage upgrades mean for your roof water
In August 2023 the city council raised the monthly stormwater fee from $6.35 to $12.35, effective Oct. 1, the first increase since 2007. A city spokesperson described the original area of St. Cloud as aging infrastructure, and the first project was to include drain repairs on California and 11th Streets. City work on streets and storm drains is separate from what happens on your property. Roof water still has to leave your gutters and downspouts and drain somewhere on your lot, which is why we plan the downspout route first and the gutter run second.
6-inch and 7-inch gutters
Many homes are built with 5-inch gutters. We install 6-inch and 7-inch K-style gutters, which hold and move more water. Larger roofs, long runs, valleys and steep sections send more water to one spot, and those are the places where a bigger gutter or a larger downspout makes the most difference. For very large roof areas, ask about super gutters.
Before and during hurricane season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Clear gutters and check that downspouts are secured and connected before a storm, and keep loose parts from becoming debris. Gutters manage roof runoff. They do not stop flooding from rising lake or canal water, and they are not a substitute for storm preparation or flood insurance. Like most gutter warranties, ours does not cover storm damage.
Check your HOA rules first
Some St. Cloud neighborhoods have homeowners associations with rules on gutter color, style and sometimes approval before exterior changes. Check your association's rules before you pick a color. We can give you a written estimate to include with your application.
