Gutter Expansion Joint Spacing

By reducing the downspout spacing to perhaps 35lf you could use a 6 gutter with 9 4 x6 downspouts in lieu of an 8 system.

Gutter expansion joint spacing.

The space between sidewalk joints shall not exceed 125 of the sidewalk width for example. The spacing of the expansion joints depends on the size of the gutter and thickness of the metal but a general rule is that an expansion joint should be included about every thirty feet. Recommended hanger spacing is 24 on centers. Expansion joints may also be required at changes in gutter width or depth at corners and at end.

Sidewalk that abuts curb or gutter shall have joints that match the curb or gutter joints. In this example your maximum spacing of downspouts should be 40. The space between joints in curbs and gutters space between contraction joints or between contraction and expansion joints shall not exceed ten feet. Most new box gutters these days are made of either copper or stainless steel although many old box gutters were made of terne coated steel.

Expansion joints are a component in seamless rain gutter systems designed to protect the gutters from the effects of thermal expansion. Thermal expansion is the tendency for a material to expand and contract when exposed to changes in temperature. Copper aluminum zinc and galvanized steel. There are a couple of options when it comes to expansion joints in gutters.

In general long straight runs should have joints spaced a maximum of 48 feet apart. Next we need to check spacing 335lf 8 downspouts 40 centers approximate. Note that gutters require expansion joints at 40 centers.