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Calcium chloride is an ice melt that is safe for gutters. Once in your gutters, the calcium chloride will melt through both ice and snow, creating a channel for water to flow.

While gutters aren't legally required for homeowners, they are considered essential for protecting homes against rot, mold, roof leaks, and foundation issues. Your home may be an exception if it's fully surrounded by concrete, sits at the top of a hill, has a 10-inch overhang, or stands in a practically rainless climate. If you've purchased a home that doesn't have gutters, it may be time to either learn how to install gutters or call in a local gutter company before you experience water damage.

When connecting a gutter to a downspout, make sure that both have the same outlet capacity. Meaning starting from your gutter and moving downwards, the diameter should match so you have a secure seal. Make sure you’re working downwards when attaching the pipes (for example, the gutter fits inside the downspout) as doing the reverse will cause leaks.

The standard size for residential gutters is 5 inches. Some houses opt for 6-inch gutters to stand against heavy rain since they can hold significantly more water. Five-inch gutters are 3.5 inches deep, and 6-inch gutters are 3.75 inches deep. If you have an all-tile or all-metal roof, you’ll need at least 6-inch-wide gutters.