If you’re new to the homeowner world, you may genuinely be wondering why gutters are so important. Are they truly necessary, or can you get by without installing gutters on your new home or keeping up with regular maintenance on your current gutter system? We’ll address these questions today by explaining how, exactly, gutters protect your home and what can happen if you don’t have them.
A gutter system’s primary job is to channel water safely away from your home so it doesn’t cause water damage. When it rains or snows, water naturally makes contact with your roof and slides downward due to gravity. If you don’t have gutters in place, water can drip down the sides of your home and pool near its base, where it can then leak into your house and cause serious problems, such as foundation damage and flooding.
If your gutter system is properly installed and well maintained, on the other hand, it will protect your home from water damage by catching water that slides off your roof and channeling it into downspouts that will direct it safely away from your home. Water should be released at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation.
When water is allowed to leak and flow into places it shouldn’t, it can cause all kinds of serious damage to your home and yard. Fortunately, the following problems can be avoided by keeping your gutter system in good shape. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice every year—once before winter and once in the spring. If your home is located near trees, you may need to clean them more often. Also inspect gutters after storms to ensure no damage has been done and the system is still directing water safely away from your home.
If you’ve experienced any of the problems below, strongly consider having a professional inspect your gutter system and fix any possible issues. Your gutters may be pulling away from your home a bit and need to be securely fastened; the gutters themselves may be damaged or rusting in places and need to be replaced; a joint may be disconnected; or your downspouts may need to be redirected.
Foundation Damage
Flooding
Rusting
Wood rotting
Mold Buildup
Stains
Insect Infestation
Erosion
Siding Damage
Paint Damage
If you don’t have the time or ability to keep your gutters clean, you can hire a professional to clean them regularly for you. Keep in mind that the price you pay for this service pales in comparison to the price you’ll end up paying to repair serious water damage to your property.
If you don’t keep your gutters clear by cleaning them regularly, water can build up in the winter and freeze, forming ice dams. As water builds behind these dams, it can easily leak into your home. The weight of the ice can also become too much for your gutters to hold, causing them to break from your roof and crash to the ground.
If you live around Aspen or Carbondale, CO, and you need gutter services, Pacific is at your service! We can install or repair gutter systems to protect your property from water damage. Call us or send us a message online to let us know how we can help you.