Fall protection and gutter installation go hand in hand—whether people realize it or not. Reduced Risk, Maintenance, and Damage
As Ronny from SLATOR-USA explains, the safest approach isn’t adding more safety equipment later. Instead, it starts by eliminating the hazard at the source. One of the most overlooked fall hazards around a home happens every season: climbing ladders to clean or fix gutters that were never installed correctly in the first place.
Rather than accepting frequent cleanouts as normal, the smarter solution is to install gutters so they rarely need attention at all.
Start with Drainage, Not Maintenance
First and foremost, properly installed gutters must drain efficiently.
When gutters hold water or trap debris, they create a cycle of constant maintenance. Over time, that means repeated ladder climbs—and increased risk. To avoid this, SLATOR-USA focuses on pitching gutters correctly from the start.
By setting gutters at 1/16” to 1/8” per foot toward the downspout, water moves continuously instead of pooling. As a result, debris flushes naturally, weight doesn’t build up, and the system stays cleaner longer.
Simply put: gutters that drain properly don’t demand frequent attention.
Why Nordic Steel Gutters Make the Difference
Of course, pitch alone isn’t enough. Material choice plays a critical role in long-term performance.
That’s why SLATOR-USA installs Nordic Steel Gutters. Unlike thin aluminum systems that flex and lose slope over time, steel holds its shape. It resists sagging under water weight, snow load, and seasonal stress—allowing the original pitch to remain effective year after year.
In other words, proper installation only works if the material can support it long-term. Steel makes that possible.
Secure Support Keeps the System Working
Next comes hanger placement.
To maintain alignment and strength, hangers are installed at 16-inch centers, typically fastened directly into roof rafters whenever possible. This approach distributes weight evenly and prevents movement over time.
Because the system stays secure, the gutter continues to drain as intended—without shifting, pulling away, or creating low spots that collect water.
Outlet Design That Prevents Clogs Before They Start
Beyond pitch and support, outlet design plays a major role in keeping gutters clear.
In this installation, SLATOR-USA cuts a large ellipse at the downspout opening, then hammers over the edge to add stiffness. This creates a smooth transition with no sharp edges for debris to catch on.
As leaves and runoff move through the system, they flow directly into the downspout instead of hanging up at the outlet. Combined with seamless 10-foot gutter sections, this design significantly reduces debris buildup.
Fewer clogs mean fewer cleanouts—and fewer reasons to climb a ladder.
Do It Right Once—and Stay Off the Ladder
Yes, installing gutters correctly takes more time up front.
However, that extra effort pays off quickly:
- Less ladder time
- Fewer cleanings
- No standing water
- Reduced mosquito breeding
- Less water damage to siding, foundations, and structures
Ultimately, proper gutter installation protects more than just the building. It protects the people maintaining it.
Doing it right the first time isn’t an upgrade—it’s the standard.