What Do Gutters Do?

Gutters are installed under the edge of your roof to catch rainwater as it streams down your roof’s surface. The gutters then direct water to the edge of your roof and into vertical sectionals called downspouts. Often, downspouts dispense the water into drainage systems or extensions that relocate the water away from your home’s foundation.

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                          Are Gutters Necessary?

Rain gutters are more important than you might realize. Though they can add a nice decorative element to your home, their primary purpose is to prevent mold, mildew, and other water damage. Gutters keep your home in place by directing rainwater away from your siding and foundation.

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Though gutters aren’t required by legislation, they are necessary for most homeowners to prevent damage to their homes. Read about some of the key reasons gutters are necessary below.

• Slopes: Hills and slopes may give your landscaping an idyllic look, but they’re one of the main reasons you need gutters. If your home sits at the bottom of hills, rainwater from these slopes can build up around your home’s foundation and cause damage, settlement, and mold.

• Basements: You’ll want gutters if you have a basement, especially a finished one. Without gutters, water can enter your home and cause basement flooding. A simple gutter installation helps protect any valuables you have in your basement. The same issue can occur with crawl spaces. 

• Overhang: If your roof’s overhang is close to your home’s siding, rainfall will cause trenches to form around your home’s foundation. These trenches can lead to severe and costly damage that gutters would otherwise prevent.

• Clay-rich soil: Clay-rich soil, like red clay soil or clay loam soils, absorb and retain water when wet. The soil can then direct this water toward your home’s foundation, acting as a pipeline that continuously delivers water to the same spot. Having gutters avoids these issues by directing the water into a drainage system.

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