Why Are Gutters So Important To My Roof System

When it comes to your roof system, don’t overlook the importance of gutters. Your gutters provide an essential function – channeling rainwater off the roof and away from your home’s foundation. Without gutters, misplaced moisture can cause serious issues, from mold infestation and roof leaks to structural deterioration.

Here’s why gutters are so important to your roof system.

Protect Your Foundation

You don’t need bouts of intense rain to worry about water damage to your home. No matter how gently rainwater falls onto your roof, it will build up as it runoffs, creating a powerful surge which, if not funneled properly, can hammer the ground next to your home’s foundation. 

If the water hits the foundation line every time it rains, it will cause soil erosion over time. The foundation can crack and weaken, especially if mold and mildew eat at the surface. The water can then seep down along the foundation and into your basement. Trust us, you don’t want to deal with basement flooding or structural instability. 

Gutters are essential because they channel water away from your home’s base and direct it into drains to prevent uncontrollable seepage. This keeps your foundation protected and saves you money in the long run.

Protect Your Roof

It may not be obvious, but gutters protect what lies above them. And it’s not just enough to have a gutter system – it needs to be free of debris at all times. 

When gutters become clogged by debris, pools of water landing on your roof can build up beneath the roof structure until it begins to seep through the roof or drip onto the deck below. The freezing and thawing cycle can also lead to ice dams forming on your roof. With time, you’ll notice cracks in your roof and leaks in your home due to water infiltration.

Well-maintained and clean gutters allow rainwater and the standing water that comprises an ice dam to flow through, reducing the risk of roof leaks and subsequent damage.

Preserve Your Siding

Your siding could take a major hit if you don’t have gutters safely directing water away from the walls. While siding is somewhat resistant to water, it can only go so far in protecting your walls from water damage. 

Since siding is installed in pieces, it might have gaps and shift over time with constant exposure to the elements. As a result, water may sneak under siding pieces. Think of it as a cup with a loose lip. If it’s tipped, the liquid will run down the side and get everywhere.

Severe wetness sets the stage for unpleasant staining, rotting, and mold growth on your walls. Also, excessive water will cause siding to prematurely weather, rot, crack, and fail. This could decrease your home’s curb appeal and lead to costly siding repairs. 

The right gutter system will carry the bulk of rainwater away from your home’s exterior, avoiding these problems and preserving the structural integrity of your home.

Provide Pest Control

Termites, mosquitos, and other pests are attracted to standing water and moist areas. Without gutters, the conditions created by rainwater can become very attractive for insects. Bugs surrounding your home can be annoying and unpleasant. Some bugs are a health hazard while others can pose serious risks to the structural integrity of your home. 

Do yourself a favor by having properly installed and maintained gutters to divert water away from the roof and home. This will significantly reduce the risk of pooling water, rot, and insect infestation.

Prevent Cracks in the Driveway

Water from your roof can pool in puddles on your driveway if not diverted properly. Eventually, pooling water will cause the soil underneath the concrete to swell and lift up the concrete, causing cracks and bowing.

Having a gutter system prevents damage to the driveway and the need for costly repairs. 

Prevent Landscape Erosion

Soil erosion is a big issue when it comes to landscaping. When rainwater is not guided properly, excessive water can wash away the nutrient-rich topsoil, which flowers, shrubbery, and other plants need for sustenance.

Also, soggy landscaping provides a suitable environment for the growth of fungus, which can cause damage to plant foliage such as rot and wilt. 

Gutters direct water to where it’s needed, preventing erosion, ponding, and dips in your yard. They also allow your plants and shrubs to flourish with just the right amount of water.

Create a Neater Look

If water rolls down your roof and onto the ground, it will splash dirt and residue against your siding. If this happens repeatedly, your home’s appearance will look dirty, forcing you to clean up the mess often. Paint on your exterior walls may chip away, calling for the eventual repainting of your exterior. 

If your gutter system works like it’s supposed to, it will help keep your home looking neat without extra effort.

Keep in mind that all components of your home are related. Gutters protect your roof, foundation, siding, landscaping, and interior walls from water damage. If you’re looking for gutter experts in the Denver and Fort Collins area, contact Red Diamond Roofing. We offer a full range of gutter repair, replacement, and inspection services.

 

Posted in Exteriors
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