The primary objective of rainwater guttering and gutter installation in a property is to direct the rainwater from the roof to the sewage system. This is necessary that if not removed, the accumulated rainwater can cause heavy destruction to the foundation of the home that would be difficult to repair.

What is the purpose of gutters?

Gutters are primarily used to control water and moisture related damage to a residential or commercial property. Though modern homes are design to save energy, at the same time, they also trap moisture which tends to cause big and expensive issues.

For instance, if the area around the basement of the building gets dampened due to the presence of rain water, this moisture would definitely reach to the basement of the home. In addition, some part of it would get absorbed by the nearby air.

During the winter season, it can be assumed that hot air in the home can take in a large amount of moisture in comparison to the cold air. If this moisture finds space on the some colder surfaces, some moisture content would condense against them. For example, on windows, it would be problematic but in the case of walls and attics, it can cause fungus which means you would have to spend more on gutter repair.

Do you need gutters on a house?

Yes, gutters play an indispensable role by directing the rainwater away from the roof, thereby preventing the water-related damage.

Why Are Gutters Important?

A full-fledged gutter system is important as it prevents:

  • Expensive roof damage due to water which may cause rotting, mold, and pests
  • Moisture in other areas like windows and walls
  • Foundation damage which hampers the structural integrity of the home

How to gutters work?

The primary job is done by roof which sheds the rainwater to the gutter and protects the home from the rain. Gutters are typically the horizontally placed metal systems that are installed along the eave edge of the roof such as dormers. Their one end remains open to collect the rainwater shedding from the roof, which is then directed to the downspouts.

Downspouts refer to the vertical, closed parts of the gutter system that forward the water from the room to the sewage system. It is the responsibility of the drainage system to direct the water away from the home’s basement.

Cleaning of Gutters

Experts recommend cleaning gutters at least twice in a year. Also, fall season is considered the best time for gutter cleaning and maintenance. However, given the presence of trees around your home, you may need to clean the gutters more often.

You would need four main things to clean your gutters:

  1. A bucket
  2. A ladder
  3. A hand shovel or trowel
  4. Gloves for taking out the debris and leaves

While cleaning the gutters, look for leaks that are quite common at gutter seams and joints. In the case of a leakage, use a gutter-sealing spray or caulk to do the temporary gutter repair. Let a gutter installation professional check the repair work and confirm that it is okay.

What is the best time to replace the gutters?

If you notice any sign of visible damage, sagging, or leakage, it means downspouts are not in good condition, and you should consider gutter replacement.

Ask a reputed rain gutter installation company to check the status of your existing gutter system and decide if it is the right time to get a new gutter.

Types of Gutters

In present times, seamless gutters are very popular among homeowners. For example, K-style gutters don’t rust or leak and can be carved into one single piece on-site.

Copper gutter is another choice that is mainly preferred for historic or premium homes. These gutters give a timeless look that comes at high price.

Other options are steel and vinyl but they are prone to rusting and cracking.

Most homeowners don’t consider gutter maintenance an important part of their home maintenance plan and this is the biggest mistake they do. Ideally, the gutter systems must be an integral part of their home maintenance.

The Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we may not notice but rain gutters play a pivotal role in keeping our home and its foundation safe from various threats. So, considering their importance, it is necessary to choose a reputed gutter maintenance company like Sunshine Gutters Pro that can carry out the job professionally and effectively.

Also Read: How to Choose the Best Gutters for Your Home