Does My House Need Gutters?

First time homeowners or those new to home improvement may question the importance of gutters. Are gutters a necessary component to a home’s exterior or are they more for a decorative look? Why should I install gutters on my home? Will they do more harm than good? We recommend each and every house have gutters and if they don’t, get them installed as soon as possible.

Do Gutters Work?

Gutters help control the rain water from your roof, directing it into a single flow that moves the water away from your home’s structural foundation. It is important to note that gutters can’t move water away effectively unless they’re frequently cleaned and maintained. More so, if gutters are damaged they can actually cause more issues than not having gutters at all because they can cause water to pool along the roof, causing significant problems. Gutters also help prevent erosion by controlling water runoff. This protects a home’s structural foundation, as well as grass, flowers, bushes or any other landscaping that’s around the property.

Why Should You Install Gutters?

Gutters are vital to any home because they provide insurance against any future roof or moisture issues. In other words, they can provide more help than harm. Gutters are especially necessary in Alabama because of the amount of rainfall the state receives. Gutters do more than just managing storm water away from your home. They also preserve your foundation, your yard, and your neighborhood as well. Without fully functional gutters, rainwater could cut pathways through your yard as well as your neighbor’s, creating ditches, pooling in low-lying areas, and even killing lawns, flowers, and vegetation.

Why Should I Perform Maintenance on my Gutters?

When a homeowner doesn’t clean their gutter system they’re opening the door for several problems. Rainwater trapped in a clogged gutter has nowhere to go but over the edge, making the gutter system useless. If any leaves, twigs, or other debris remain in the gutter for a period of time, winter weather conditions can cause the debris to freeze in the gutters, weighing them down so much that they can pull free from the house. Clogged gutters also increases the risk of ice dams forming at the edge of the roof. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. One option to cleaning your gutters is getting on a ladder yourself and cleaning the gutters. We don’t advise this because it can be dangerous and if you fall off, you could become seriously injured. Instead, you can pay to have a professional gutter-cleaning crew clean the gutters and downspouts. A third option, however, can save you from having to worry about cleaning your gutters regularly is hiring a gutter company to install gutter guards that require much less maintenance. For information about gutter guards click here.

My Home Doesn’t Have Gutters, What Should I do?

For many houses, not having gutters can cause a snowball effect of problems. If a house doesn’t have gutters, the water runoff can build up around the home, getting into the foundation and causing water damage over time. It can cause basements to flood, erosion, siding and exterior damage, mold, mildew, and damaged landscaping. We recommend contacting a gutter company right away if your residential or commercial property doesn’t have gutters or if your gutter system is failing. Contact USA Roofing & Gutters for any additional information, questions, or for a FREE gutter estimate today!