Gutters for Split-Level Homes in Kansas City

Common KC neighborhoods: Independence, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, Grandview, Raytown, Belton, parts of Olathe

The upper-to-lower roof drainage problem

Split-level homes typically have an upper roof (over the bedroom wing) and a lower roof (over the garage/family room wing). The upper roof's water has to go somewhere — usually onto the lower roof or down a vertical wall.

This creates two common failure modes:

1. Upper-roof downspouts dump directly onto lower roof shingles. The concentrated flow erodes shingle granules and creates a path for leaks at the lower roof's transition flashing.
2. Lower-roof gutters undersized for combined flow. The lower gutter has to handle its own catchment PLUS the upper roof's discharge. Often overwhelmed.

How we fix split-level drainage

• Route upper-roof downspouts INTO the lower-roof gutter (not onto the shingles). Requires custom flashing where the downspout enters.
• Oversize the lower gutter to 6". Even if the upper is 5", the lower handles combined flow.
• Add an extra downspout on the lower roof near the transition to handle peak flow.
• Use 3x4 downspouts on the lower roof for higher capacity.
• Underground extension from the lower-roof downspouts to carry water far from the foundation.

Typical split-level gutter pricing in KC

A typical KC split-level (160-220 lf total across both roof levels, 5-7 downspouts) runs:

• All 5" K-style aluminum: $1,500-$2,800
• Lower 6" + upper 5" combo: $1,800-$3,200
• All 6" K-style aluminum: $2,000-$3,800

Add 2-story access charge (~15%) for the upper roof. Add underground PVC extensions to move water away from the foundation: $300-$1,000.