Gutters, also known as eaves gutters, channel rainwater off the roof and into downspouts where it is directed away from the foundation. This prevents water accumulation and other damage to the siding, foundation, shingles, landscape and more.
Gutters require regular cleaning and inspections to function properly. Without them, clogged gutters can overflow and cause damage to the roof and other parts of your house.
Gutters, along with the soffits and fascia, protect the edges of your roof from damage by collecting and diverting rainwater. They also prevent rot, rust, mold, mildew and other issues that can occur if the water is allowed to sit on your roof or siding. Gutters manage rainwater by channeling it through downspouts to drain areas of the yard away from your house, which reduces soil erosion and flooding, preserves landscaping features and soffit and fascia, and stops leaks in crawl spaces and basements.
Gutters are available in many different styles, but they all accomplish the same task. The gutter’s trough collects rainwater that falls off the roof, then the downspouts direct the water to drainage areas of your yard and garden. They also help minimize water exposure that damages paint and stain on your home’s siding. Gutters are an inexpensive way to protect your siding and foundation, but they do require regular maintenance to keep them working properly.
Without a gutter system, your roof would shed rainwater directly onto the ground around the house. This could flood gardens and cause soil erosion, which can weaken the foundation of your home. In addition, the puddles and runoff can seep into places in your house that you don’t want to water, such as the walls, floors, and ceilings.
During a heavy rainstorm, the water in your gutters may clog and overflow. A clogged gutter can be dangerous, so it’s important to have it cleaned at least twice each year. A professional roofing contractor can safely remove the debris and make sure your gutters are functioning correctly.
Insects are attracted to standing water, and a house without gutters is an invitation for rodents, mosquitoes, flies, and other pests to move in and wreak havoc on your property. When they come in contact with a contaminated gutter, the bugs can then get inside of your house, which will lead to problems like mold, mildew, and other health issues. Gutters protect your home from pests by directing rainwater to specific drainage areas of your yard. Gutter systems can also be used as an irrigation system for your garden beds, keeping them safe from overwatering and soil erosion.
Prevents Foundation Damage
Gutters are the first line of defense against foundation damage. When water pools for extended periods around the base of your house, it loosens the soil and eventually degrades the structural integrity of the foundation itself. Gutters prevent this by redirecting water flow away from the foundation.
Foundation damage can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars. If left unchecked, it can lead to cracks in walls and ceilings, as well as a wet basement. Whether your home is built on concrete or brick, you can avoid costly damage by installing gutters and maintaining them regularly.
The primary purpose of a gutter system is to protect the structure of your roof, but it also helps preserve landscaping and the stability of your home’s foundation. Without gutters, rainwater would simply pour off the eaves and saturate the ground surrounding the foundation. Gutters collect the water and channel it into a downspout, which usually drains several feet away from the foundation. This ensures that the soil surrounding your foundation stays moist and nutrient rich, rather than dry and arid.
Many home owners think that they don’t need gutters because their homes are built on a concrete foundation. However, even poured concrete foundations are susceptible to water damage if the ground becomes saturated for too long.
If your foundation is soaked with water, the soil will expand, pushing against the foundation and potentially shifting it inward. Similarly, if the soil surrounding your foundation is eroded, it may change the composition of the ground, which could weaken its strength and cause the foundation to shift. Gutters help keep the soil surrounding your foundation healthy, protecting its sturdiness and preventing costly repairs.
A gutter system is essential for preserving your home’s appearance and avoiding expensive repairs. If you have an old, clogged gutter system, or don’t have a gutter system at all, consider investing in a new one. A professional gutter installation company can guide you through your options and recommend the best solution for your home. In addition to avoiding expensive damage, gutters are an excellent investment for your property value.
Prevents Mold and Mildew
The best way to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in a home is by keeping the gutters clean, as often as needed. These destructive fungi thrive in damp environments and, if not dealt with promptly, can lead to severe health issues for residents. These can range from respiratory problems to toxic reactions due to mycotoxins. Mold and mildew can also damage a home’s structural integrity, causing cracks in the foundation, walls, windows, and doors.
Gutter systems are integral to a home’s waterproofing, as they divert rainwater away from the foundation and walls of a house. Without gutters, rainwater can collect around the sides of a house and seep into the basement or wall cavities. This moisture is an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, and can eventually rot parts of the home. Gutters channel water from the roof into downspouts, preventing the buildup of excess moisture near the foundation and walls. If the gutters become clogged, however, they will fail to divert water, and the home’s exterior may become damp.
Regular gutter cleaning can remove organic debris such as leaves and twigs, which provide the nutrients that molds need to grow. Professional cleaning companies can remove these items safely, and ensure that the gutters are properly installed, with a slight slope towards the downspouts to promote proper water flow. Gutter guards can also help to prevent blockages, further reducing the risk of mold growth in homes.
Proper gutter maintenance can help to limit the risk of mold and mildew development, which can damage a home’s structure and affect indoor air quality. Mould spores are airborne, and can be inhaled by inhabitants, especially children, elderly people, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. This can exacerbate these conditions, as well as contribute to other health problems. Gutter maintenance and repair can mitigate these risks and promote a healthy living environment for all of the home’s occupants. This is why it is so important to regularly schedule gutter cleaning, inspections, and repairs.
Preserves Your Yard
When gutters are functioning properly, they divert water away from your home’s foundation and into a downhill flow where it won’t cause damage to garden areas or landscaping features. Without gutters, rainwater typically falls off the roof directly onto the ground and into the soil next to the house, wearing it down. Gutters also keep water from pooling near the house, which can cause a number of problems including water stains, wood rot and mold growth.
Your house and your yard are both a significant investment, so it’s important to take the steps necessary to preserve them. Standing water in your yard can wreak havoc on the roots of trees and shrubs, causing them to die and destroying their beauty. It can also create dips in your lawn where mosquitoes like to breed. Gutters are an inexpensive and effective way to keep water from washing away your landscaping and the walls of your home.
Gutters help to prevent erosion, protect your foundation, protect the integrity of the soffit and fascia boards, prevent rot and other structural issues, and provide a safe environment for your family and pets. Water that seeps into the basement and rots parts of your home can cause thousands in damage, so it’s vital to make sure that your gutter system is in good working order.
If you’re considering gutters for your home, we recommend hiring a professional contractor to install the proper type and size for your roof. They’ll ensure that your gutters are well-placed to avoid blockages, and that they have a good slope for water diversion. They’ll also clean your gutters regularly to remove twigs, leaves and other debris. They’ll test the downspouts with a hose to ensure they are free of obstructions and that water is flowing downhill correctly. Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year to avoid clogs and to maintain the integrity of your gutter system. Keeping your gutters clean will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and maintenance. It will also extend the life of your gutters and protect your yard and the integrity of your home.