Gutter Repair in Louisiana

Local know-how

Some of the heaviest rain in the country

Louisiana gutters face extraordinary rainfall. New Orleans averages around 62 inches a year, and the Gulf Coast takes direct hits from hurricanes. Gutter capacity matters more here than almost anywhere, and 6-inch or larger gutters with big downspouts are the norm on good installations.

Lake Charles was hit by Hurricanes Laura and Delta within weeks of each other in 2020, and Hurricane Ida in 2021 caused widespread damage in the southeast of the state. Baton Rouge saw major flooding in August 2016. Strong fastening and large downspouts are essential.

Historic homes in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette often have built-in or copper gutters, and local historic districts may regulate changes. Shreveport and Monroe in the north see less tropical weather but heavy thunderstorms.

Flat, low-lying terrain means where the water goes matters as much as the gutter. Downspouts should discharge toward the street or a drain rather than into low parts of the yard.

New Orleans rain and raised houses

New Orleans gets heavy rain in every season, and summer downpours can drop several inches in an hour, overwhelming the city's drainage system and flooding streets. Many homes are raised shotguns, camelbacks and Creole cottages on piers, and others have been raised further since Katrina in 2005. Raised houses have long downspouts exposed to wind. Gutters are often fixed to deep wood eaves or decorative brackets, and the city's humid climate means wood rot behind gutters is a constant threat.

Historic districts in New Orleans

The French Quarter, Garden District, Marigny, Bywater and Treme are full of historic homes, many under the oversight of the Historic District Landmarks Commission or the Vieux Carre Commission. Changes to gutters, downspouts and roof edges may need approval, and copper or half-round gutters are often expected. Contractors familiar with these rules can help with applications.

Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Acadiana

Baton Rouge saw catastrophic flooding in August 2016 when a slow-moving storm dropped more than 20 inches of rain in some areas. Lafayette and the Acadiana parishes are flat and low, with heavy rain, high humidity and live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Many homes in these areas sit on slabs close to grade, so getting water away from the house quickly matters.

Lake Charles and southwest Louisiana

Lake Charles took the full force of Hurricane Laura in August 2020, followed by Hurricane Delta six weeks later, and then a winter storm and a flood in 2021. Many homes were re-roofed and re-guttered after Laura. Rebuilt homes in the area should have gutters fastened for hurricane winds, with hidden hangers close together and downspouts strapped firmly.

Shreveport, Monroe and north Louisiana

North Louisiana has a climate more like East Texas and Arkansas, with hot humid summers, severe spring storms, occasional ice and heavy pine and oak debris. Shreveport and Bossier City have older neighborhoods with mature trees and newer suburbs to the south.

Termites and wood rot

Louisiana has some of the worst Formosan termite infestations in the country, especially in New Orleans. Wood kept wet by leaking gutters is attractive to termites and rots quickly in the heat. Keeping gutters sealed and clear, and fascia dry, helps protect the structure.

Hiring in Louisiana

Louisiana's State Licensing Board for Contractors licenses residential and home improvement contractors for jobs over set dollar values. After hurricanes, the state warns homeowners about unlicensed contractors. Check the liability cover and get the job described on paper. Homeowners in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles can reach local installers with one call.

Gutter sizing for Louisiana rain

In much of Louisiana, a heavy summer storm can drop an inch or more in under an hour, and tropical systems deliver several inches a day for days. Standard 5-inch gutters with 2x3 downspouts overflow quickly under those conditions. Six-inch or 7-inch gutters, 3x4 or larger downspouts, and outlets every 30 to 35 feet are common on Louisiana homes. Wide, shallow roofs with long runs especially benefit from extra outlets.

Where the water goes in flat parishes

Most of south Louisiana is flat and close to sea level, with heavy clay soils that drain slowly. Water from downspouts can pool in yards for days. Many homes direct downspouts into buried pipes that lead to the street gutter or a drainage ditch, and some parishes have rules on what can be connected to storm drains. Raised homes can let water run under the house only if the ground is graded to carry it away.

Spanish moss, live oaks and pine

Live oaks drop old leaves in spring as new growth appears, so many south Louisiana homes need a clean in April. Spanish moss falls year-round and tangles in outlets. In north Louisiana, pine needles and oak leaves are the main debris. Fine mesh guards help with oak leaves but need clearing after the spring drop.

Hurricane preparation for Louisiana gutters

Before hurricane season, check that gutters and downspouts are fastened firmly, clear any debris, and secure downspout extensions so they do not become flying objects in high winds. After a storm, photograph damage before cleanup and keep receipts for emergency repairs. Louisiana's Fortified Roof program has offered grants for wind-resistant roofs in some years, and gutters are often replaced alongside.

Raised homes and downspout support

On homes raised eight to twelve feet after flooding, downspouts are long and catch the wind. They should be strapped every few feet and secured at the bottom so storms do not swing them loose. Some owners route water down a column or post to hide the pipe.

Monroe and the Ouachita

Monroe and West Monroe sit on the Ouachita River in northeast Louisiana, with hot summers, heavy pine debris and occasional ice storms in winter.

Houma, Thibodaux and the bayou parishes

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes lie low among bayous and marsh, and Ida in 2021 tore roofs and gutters off thousands of homes there. Raised camps and houses on pilings face salt air and wind, so stainless fasteners and close strapping matter.

Slidell and St. Tammany Parish

Slidell, Mandeville and Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain have pine forests, newer subdivisions and homes that flooded during Katrina's surge in 2005.