Why You Should Never Underestimate Your Roof Gutters

Blog Key Takeaways:

1. The roof gutters play an essential role in protecting your home by funneling rainwater away from the roof and foundation.
2. Gutters can become clogged due to leaves and debris, which can cause water to back up and potentially damage your home.
3. It’s important to inspect and clean the gutters regularly to prevent problems.
4. Always use caution when cleaning gutters, as it can be dangerous. Wear thick gloves and protective eyewear, and be sure to use a ladder.

Think you can do without your roof gutters? Think again. While it’s easy to take this part of your home for granted, not having functioning gutters could spell disaster down the line. Gutters are essential for protecting your home by funneling rainwater away from the roof and foundation. When they’re working properly, they help keep moisture out of your basement or crawl space, protect the paint on your siding and trim, and minimize erosion around your house. In short, they are an integral part of preserving the structural integrity of your home. But what happens if you neglect them?

Keep reading this article by Palmer Construction to learn why neglecting your gutters is a mistake you will regret.

Roof Gutters & US Homes: What’s Up?

According to a report by CNBC.com, researchers at Stanford University found that the economic damage caused by rainfall fueled by climate change in the United States was $74 billion over the last three decades.

As the numbers make evident, it’s paramount that you take whatever measures possible to stave off losses related to the increasing rainfall. Given that climate change will continue to cause more intense downpours, it is essential to think about how rain gutters can help and if the ones in your home are currently up for the task size-wise.

No matter their size or shape, all gutters have one common purpose: to direct water away from your home’s roof and foundation. That’s because if water is left to pool around your home’s foundation, it can cause cracks or even cause the structure to collapse. And if it pools on your roof, it can cause leaks that can surely lead to water damage inside your home.

Wondering How Your Home’s Roof Gutters Work?

So how do gutters work? Well, they’re usually installed along the edge of your roofline and are sloped so that water on the roof flows towards them. Then, the gutters funnel the water to drains or spouts that carry it away from your home.

Types of Roofs Gutters

There are two main types: sectional and seamless.

• Sectional Home Roof Gutter: These are the most common type of gutter. They’re made of several pieces that fit together, usually aluminum, vinyl, or steel.
• Seamless Home Roof Gutter: These are exactly what they sound like – one continuous piece with no seams. They’re usually made of aluminum and are custom-fit to your home by a professional.

Why You Should Never Underestimate Your Roof Gutters

Now that you know a little more about roof gutters, it’s time to discuss why you should never underestimate them. Here are four reasons why:

1. They Protect Your Home from Water Damage

The number one reason to never underestimate your roof gutters is that they protect your abode from water damage. If they are clogged, the water has nowhere to go but down the side of your house. This can lead to serious water damage inside and outside your home.

2. They Prevent Pests and Insects from Entering Your Home

Another reason to never underestimate your home roof gutters is because they can prevent pests and insects from entering your home. If there’s standing water in your gutters, it’s a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Furthermore, rodents and other animals are attracted to standing water, so clogged gutters can also be an entry point into your home.

3. They Help to Maintain the Value of Your Home

Investing in a quality gutter system and keeping it well-maintained can help increase your home’s value. This is because properly functioning gutters help to protect your dwelling from water damage, which can be expensive to repair. Additionally, potential homebuyers will see that you’ve taken steps to protect your investment, making your home more attractive to them.

4. They Come in a Variety of Styles

When most people think of gutters, they picture the traditional aluminum style. However, a wide variety of gutter styles are available on the market. If you’re looking for something more aesthetically pleasing, you can choose from wood, copper, or even plastic gutters. There are also seamless gutters, which are becoming increasingly popular. These gutters are composed of a single piece of material, which means there’re no seams & joints that can leak.

5. You Can Customize Them to Fit Your Home

No two abodes are alike, so it’s important to find a gutter system that you can customize to fit your home’s specific needs. A variety of factors need to be taken into account, such as the slope of your roof, the type of roofing material you have, and the size of your gutters. A professional gutter installer will be able to consider all of these factors & recommend the best type of gutter system for your home.

6. They Need to Be Maintained

Like anything else, your gutters must be cleaned and maintained regularly. Leaves, sticks, and other debris can build up in them and cause them to become clogged. When this happens, water can no longer travel freely through the system, leading to serious damage. In some cases, clogged gutters can cause water to back into your home, causing flooding and extensive damage. To avoid this, it’s important to have your gutters cleaned at least once a year by a professional gutter cleaning service.

Also read: Getting Ready for Roof Repairs: Here’s How to Hire a Roofer

Roof Gutter Maintenance Tips

Now let’s talk about how you can maintain your home’s gutters so they’ll stay in good shape for years to come.

1. Keep Them Clean

This one should be pretty obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. Leaves, sticks, and other debris can block your gutters and cause them to become clogged. To prevent this from happening, regularly clean them out. You can do this yourself using your ladder and a garden hose, or hire a professional gutter cleaning service to do it for you.

2. Check for Leaks

Over time, your roof gutters may develop leaks. These leaks can allow water to seep through and cause damage to your home. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to regularly check your gutters for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.

3. Inspect Them Regularly

In addition to checking for leaks, you should also inspect your gutters regularly. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or holes, and ensure they are properly secured to your roof. If you notice any problems, be sure to have them repaired right away.

4. Be Careful When Cleaning Them

Cleaning your gutters can be a dangerous task if you’re not careful. Always use a ladder when cleaning them, and never try to reach over the edge of your roof. It’s also important to wear gloves and protective eyewear to avoid getting cut by debris or getting chemicals in your eyes.

Why Do It Yourself When the Pros Are Here to Help?

Palmer Construction, serving Spokane Valley, WA, and surrounding areas, is your go-to roofing contractor. Our home roof gutter repair and installation services can help you keep your house in tip-top shape. We realize that having functioning gutters is critical not only for the protection of your possessions but also for your family’s safety. That’s why we provide top-notch gutter maintenance at reasonable prices. Get a free estimate, or just call us now.