If you’re like most homeowners, gutters are one of the last things on your mind when it comes to your house. If they aren’t causing noticeable problems, you probably don’t even pay attention to them. You should, however, understand the importance of gutters so you can make sure yours are properly maintained. If you let your gutters go, it could end up costing you a lot of money in repairs.
The next few paragraphs outline why your gutters matter and how you should go about taking proper care of them. If you think your current gutters need to be replaced, or you’d at least to talk to a contractor about whether or not they are properly installed, give Hatch Homes a call. We’d be happy to schedule an assessment.
- What are the benefits of gutters?
Gutters help prevent foundation problems because they keep rainwater from pooling directly next to your foundation or even on your foundation. Over time, this could cause cracks, erosion, and other costly problems. - If rainwater is allowed to fall directly off your roof, it could end up flooding your crawlspace or basement, even if there’s only a small gap between your house and the soil. This could lead to mold problems, personal property damage, and foundation problems.
- Although modern vinyl siding is designed to be water resistant, this doesn’t mean it’s good for water to pool on it. Without properly installed gutters, your siding could warp or sustain other damage. Wooden siding is at greater risk than vinyl siding; it’s worth noting.
- If you have brick or stone walkways or patios next to your home, gutters can be used to make sure water drains beside them into of onto them. Standing water can leave irreparable stains on brick and stone, giving them an unsightly appearance.
- Asphalt driveways and walkways can also sustain damage from standing water. Although they will not stain like brick and stone, the water could ultimately cause them to crack or settle, making them look unkempt. The only way to fix this is to resurface the area, which can be expensive.
As mentioned above, proper maintenance is key when it comes to keeping your home’s gutters fully functional. This means they must be kept free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Otherwise, water won’t drain properly, which defeats the purpose of having gutters in the first place.
It’s best to have your gutters professionally cleaned; talk to the person you hire about the frequency with which your gutters ought to be maintained. How close your trees are to your gutters, the types of trees you have, and the slope of your roofline will all play into how many times per year your gutters need a cleaning session.
- What kind of damage can clogged gutters cause?
Bunches of leaves and debris can lead to water damming, which means that water gets trapped and cannot leave the gutter. This can damage your home’s eaves, leading them to have to be repaired or replaced. - Standing water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These pests are already enough of an issue throughout the Carolinas, so there’s no reason to give them even more reason to live on your property. Remember, mosquitoes can carry diseases that can be harmful to you and your family.
- Standing water can cause gutters to deteriorate and crack over time. Ultimately, this will lead to leaks that will require your gutters to be replaced.
If you have any questions about your gutters or you’d like to start thinking about a full gutter replacement, let Hatch Homes help you. We’re looking forward to working with you.