Gutters are those horizontal channels you can see at many roofs’ eaves and along with dormers. They protect your home from water damage diverting rainwater away from your home foundation.
Water can damage any part of your house when gutters are clogged, damaged or if you remove them.
Gutters system’s objective is to carry the rainwater from the roof to the downspout to reach a specific place in the ground.
It looks simple. However, this is a very important feature since it keeps away your house from moisture-related issues. They protect both your home and garden from flooding. The rainwater will be redirected to a specific location where you can collect it or not.
The benefits that a gutter system provides are:
• You’ll protect your house's foundation against moisture.
• You will not have standing water in your garden. So, it will minimize pets’ proliferation.
• You will avoid mold growing since you won’t have overflows and moisture.
• The exterior walls, driveway, and walkways of your home will be free of stains and erosion.
• Rain gutters will enhance your home curb appeal adding value and good taste to your facade.
Rain gutters are a critical system in protecting properties against water damage.
Gutters and downspouts shape the drainage system. It works as a complementary element of your roof.
The roof will direct the rainwater to the gutters to protect your home. Then, the drainage system will conduct the water away from your home’s foundation.
The process is simple. Gutters have an open-top, so they receive the water flowing off the roof and shed it into the downspouts.
Downspouts are the vertical and closed element of the system that leads the water flow to the ground level.
The best thing you can do for your gutters and downspouts is to inspect and clean them at least once a year. The fall season is the ideal moment of the year to do this task.
Likewise, if there are many trees around your home, you should perform more frequent inspections and cleanings during the year.
To clean your gutters you will require the following:
• A bucket
• A ladder
• Gloves to scoop out debris and leaves in the gutters
• A gardening trowel or hand shovel
If you have climbed to the top of a ladder to clean your gutters, you should look at this system condition. In case of having old gutters, you should check seams and joints.
Leaks will most likely appear at these points.
You can make short-term sealing. However, a professional inspection is necessary to detect and solve additional issues.
To avoid water damaging your home walls and foundation, you can use a pair of DIY solutions:
• Downspouts extenders – these elements will extend your downspouts from four to 8 feet away from the foundation.
Yet, in those neighborhoods where houses are close together, installing them may not be possible.
• Rain barrels – they are an eco-friendly and space-saving option.
If your gutters are leaking and have visible damage, you’ll know you need a new gutter system. Also, a roof replacement is a good moment to update your gutters and downspouts.
You can find in the market some gutter system options.
• Seamless aluminum K-style: this gutter system won’t rust or leak and is the most common nowadays. It is formed in one continuous piece on-site.
• Copper: Usually, historic or high-end homes employ this gutter system. It is high-priced due to its unique period look.
• Steel and vinyl: they are less popular since they eventually rust and crack.
Now, you know the importance of your gutter system for your home. So, make sure to include it in your annual home maintenance plan.
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