If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about your gutters. But during every rainstorm, they’re working hard to take the rainwater from your roof and put it where it belongs. While they may seem small and insignificant, they’re an important part of your home’s protection from the weather.
If you want to learn more about these small but mighty components of your roof, you’re in the right place. We have all of the information you need about your gutters and why they’re so important.
What Gutters Do
You’ve seen them in nearly every home, and as a kid, you may have played in the streams that they made outside your house. But have you ever really thought about their purpose? It’s the job of your gutters to take all of the water from your roof and put it in a place where it won’t damage your home.
How Gutters Protect Your Home
During a rainstorm, nothing works as hard as your gutters. Here are just a few ways that they protect your home.
- They Prevent Erosion: When water falls from the roof onto your landscaping, it can erode all of the hard work that you put into making your yard beautiful. Gutters prevent this from happening.
- They Help Keep Bugs Away: Without gutters, you can get a lot of standing water in places where you don’t want it. This makes a perfect home for mosquitos and other bugs. Unless you want them interrupting your backyard get-togethers, gutters are a must.
- They Prevent Siding Decay: Without gutters, the water will run down your siding. This can lead to water leaks and rotting wood.
- They Protect Your Foundation: Water that pools at the base of your house will eventually make its way to your foundation. Gutters will help protect against this kind of dangerous damage.
- They Protect Your Roof: Your roof is built to keep the water away from the inside of your home. But when water pools on the roof, even the best-installed shingles can start to leak. Gutters make sure water keeps moving off your shingles.
What to Look for in Gutters
- Half Round: These gutters have a semi-circle shape and are used in many older homes. They are a good choice if you want a more rustic look. They can’t always handle the amount of water that other gutters can, but they drain faster so this often doesn’t matter.
- K-Style: You’ll find this type of gutter in most homes. They’re affordable and easier to install. They also match the architecture of many modern homes making them an attractive option overall.
- Fascia: This type of gutter is large and deep and can handle a lot of water. They are popular in areas with a lot of rain, but they can collect a lot of debris so they may need gutter cleaning services more often.
- Seamless or Sectional: Most gutter types come in seamless or sectional options. Sectional means they are installed in 10-20 foot sections. Seamless gutters are in one piece so they can be less prone to leaking.
Gutter Materials
There is a lot to choose from when it comes to gutter materials. Many people choose aluminum gutters because the material is very cheap. They’re also light so you won’t have as many problems with them separating from the roof. Copper can be a very attractive option and might be the perfect choice to match your home’s architecture. However, they can be pricey and a little heavy for your roof. You can also choose vinyl gutters. They can get damaged easily, but they’re easy to install and won’t break the budget. You can call Beemer KangaRoof® for gutter services to get our recommendations for materials!
Gutter Repair and Maintenance
With constant exposure to wind, rain, and debris, your gutters may need occasional gutter repair or even a gutter installation. If your gutters are leaking, there is still a good chance that they can be fixed. You can have a roofer come for gutter services to seal leaks and fix any other damage. Here are a few of the most common problems you might come across with your gutters:
- Sagging gutters
- Leaks or dips that cause water to overflow or drip to the ground
- Gutters that are sloped incorrectly and won’t drain
- Rust
- Storm Damage
- Clogged Gutters
You’ll know your gutters are beyond fixing if you see a lot of damage or rust or if they’re falling off of the house. You can also check for peeling paint, mold, or lots of leaks. If the gutter installation wasn’t done right in the first place, water might not flow correctly. You might need a gutter repair or even a replacement to help them do their job properly. Gutters will also need to be maintained regularly to keep them unclogged and in good condition. You should call for gutter cleaning services at least once a year and have them inspected for damage.
Are Gutters Always a Necessity?
So what would happen if you didn’t have gutters on your home? Are they really necessary, or are they just cosmetic? They are certainly a necessity for most homes, especially if your roof overhangs landscaping and there is any risk of water pooling near your foundation. However, if your home is protected on all sides by a concrete slab and water can’t pool on your roof, they may be optional for your home. Always check with a trustworthy roofing company to make sure.
Greenville, SC, Roofers Near Me
Whether you need gutter repairs, installation, maintenance, or just some good advice, Beemer KangaRoof® is a great resource. We have been roofing for generations and we have a lot of experience with situations that are unique to Greenville, SC, and the surrounding areas. We would be happy to talk to you about your gutters or to come and do some troubleshooting. Call us today if you want to know more!
