Rhode Island does not just have winter and spring. We have “Mud Season.” As the ground thaws and heavy rains arrive in late February, your roof sheds a massive amount of water. If that water is not controlled, it usually ends up in one place: your basement.
This is why February is gutter month in RI. It is the best time to fix overflow, correct drainage, and upgrade undersized systems before the real spring rain pattern hits.
Why gutters matter more during the February thaw
When snow and ice start melting, your roof can release water in waves. Add a cold night followed by a warm day, and you can get fast runoff that overwhelms older gutter systems.
If gutters cannot keep up, you can see: - Overflow that rots fascia boards and stains siding - Splash-back that erodes soil and creates foundation puddling - Backflow at the eaves that can push water under shingles and wet the roof deck
The 5-inch vs 6-inch gutter debate (Warwick and Cranston homes)
Most older homes in Warwick and Cranston were built with standard 5-inch K-style gutters. For many homes, they work fine in mild weather. The problem is volume.
During heavy downpours and thaw cycles, 5-inch gutters can be overwhelmed, especially on: - Steeper roofs that shed water faster - Larger roof surface areas - Rooflines that concentrate water into a few downspouts
What failure looks like
- Water pouring over the front edge (facia and trim rot risk)
- Water running behind the gutter (hidden wood damage)
- Drip lines that create muddy trenches along the foundation
The Mighty Dog upgrade: 6-inch seamless aluminum gutters
We are upgrading homes across Kent County to 6-inch seamless aluminum gutters because the extra capacity helps manage heavy storm volume.
Important note: The right size depends on roof area, pitch, and downspout layout. But in many real-world RI homes, the upgrade reduces overflow and improves drainage performance during nor’easters and spring downpours.
Add the guard: micro-mesh gutter guards for RI trees
Rhode Island yards are full of pine needles and oak catkins. Standard screens can clog or let small debris through. Micro-mesh gutter guards are designed to block fine debris while still allowing water to flow.
Benefits homeowners care about: - Less clogging during spring drop - Fewer overflow events - No climbing a shaky ladder in the mud
Quick checklist: signs you should address gutters now
- You see overflow during moderate rain
- You have basement dampness that worsens after storms
- Your fascia is soft, peeling, or stained
- Downspouts dump water too close to the foundation
- You see gutter seams dripping or pulling away
If you are in Warwick, Cranston, or anywhere in Rhode Island and you want to protect your fascia, roof edges, and basement before Mud Season, call (401) 425-4108 or use our Contact Us page to schedule a gutter inspection and upgrade quote.
Rhode Island Service Locations:
Ashaway, Barrington, Bradford, Bristol, Carolina, Central Falls, Charlestown, Chepachet, Clayville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Forestdale, Foster, Glendale, Greene, Greenville, Harrisville,Hope,Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Kenyon, Kingston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Manville, Mapleville, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Scituate, North Smithfield, Oakland, Pascoag, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Riverside, Rockville, Rumford, Saunderstown, Shannock, Scituate, Slatersville, Smithfield, Tiverton, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Kingston, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Wyomin
FAQ
Do I need 6-inch gutters in Rhode Island?
Not every home needs them, but many RI homes with steep roofs, large roof areas, or heavy runoff benefit from 6-inch gutters to reduce overflow during heavy rain and thaw cycles.
What is the best gutter guard for pine needles?
Micro-mesh gutter guards are often the best choice for Rhode Island homes surrounded by pine trees because they block needles and fine debris better than standard screens.
Can bad gutters cause a wet basement?
Yes. Overflow and poor downspout discharge can dump water next to the foundation, which increases basement moisture and seepage risk.