If you are new to home ownership, you may not have thought much about your gutters. Sure, most homes come with gutters, but are they really that important? And what purpose do they serve, other than making sure that the water is directed to one area?
Protect Your Roof
While most gutters sit right next to or just below your roof, they are actually an integral part of keeping your roof in good condition and water out of your home. Gutters collect and carry the water running off your roof and direct it away from your home. The more you can use the gutter system to control the flow of water from the roof to the ground, the easier it is on your roof. Commonly, downspouts from upper level gutters are positioned to drain directly onto the lower level roof below, but over time this can cause excessive weathering that leads to staining or even damage. A simple improvement to avoid this is to extend the downspouts from the upper level gutters directly to the lower level gutters, or even all the way to the ground.
Reduce the Chance of Flooding
Many gutter downspouts don’t come out right by your home. They often are buried and run underground to direct the water further away from your home. This is to direct the majority of the water away from your foundation and any basement windows that might let the excess water in. Reducing perimeter oversaturation keeps your foundation stronger, prevents flooding and mildew growth, and keeps your landscaping from being washed away.
Add to Home Aesthetic
Without gutters to redirect water away from your home, you would find that any rain would take the path of least resistance, and it would be the same during each storm. Eventually, this could wash away the color of your home, damage siding and painting, and even rot the wood of your home. Properly installed gutters blend into the aesthetic of your home. There are quite a few styles, materials, and colors that you can use for your gutter so that they aren’t noticeable or they add the finishing touch you are looking for.
Gutters might not be the most glamorous feature of your home, but they do play a key role in keeping it in good condition and protecting your home investment. It is important to make sure your gutters are properly installed and kept in good repair to keep your home safe.
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