The need for gutters
Not all homes need a gutter system. Gutter systems may not be needed in an arid climates and areas not subject to periods of heavy rains. The wetter the climate the more we need a properly functioning gutter system.
The rest of us in moist areas need a good system to collect the storm water that lands on our roofs and then directs the collected water away from the house.
A homes water damage defenses
Roofing is the umbrella for the house keeping the structure and contents dry. The roof system has a number of components to shed water and prevent rain from penetrating the structure and its contents. As the roofing sheds the rain water it can either drop to the ground of be channeled thru a guttering system to the ground and away from the house and foundation. We need a guttering system in order to help reduce water and moisture damage to our homes. The gutters are the second step in protecting the home and basically the collection system, on the edge of your roof. They are designed to divert water that is running off your roof to the downspouts and subsequently in a controlled manner to the ground. The rainwater flows down these leaders to the downspout extensions, splash blocks or underground drainage to get the rainwater away from the foundation. Without gutters, the water would run off your roof and fall with force next to your foundation cause erosion and possibly puddle next to your foundation. Unfortunately, as the roof sheds water your gutters also collect debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt aspenroseestates. If too much of that debris collects in your gutters, there is nowhere for the water to go but to flood the system and over flow. To prevent possible leakage in the house and erosion of the landscape, gutter cleaning and regular maintenance can prevent water damage to the house and the deterioration of the facia, siding and other parts of the house.
Damage from Clogged Gutters
With out the smooth flow of rainwater from the roof to the ground and away from your foundation a lot of damage can occur. It may or may not be sudden obvious damage like ice dams pushing water into a room. But other things that also cause damage that can in a home with clogged gutters can include:
- Foundation problems – Continued water leakage down the side of your home into your foundation will find it way into any cracks in the walls and make them larger with freezing and thawing in the colder climates.
- Mold problems – Mold is a huge issue today and this is yet another problem that clogged gutters can pose. Some times water will even get behind the siding and build up mold there
- Siding problems – Water can cause wood siding to bow and break the water barror on the side of the house leading to more water leaks
- Wet siding that is painted will start to peal or bubble or become moldy over time.
- Errosion and damage to the landscaping below
So if you have gutters clean them regularly or as needed.