Your gutters must be working and clean during a big rain storm. If they’re not, you’ll constantly be worried about water pools forming around your foundations and seeping into walls and floors. Not correctly managing water ingress can cause problems later, including damage to bricks and timbers and even subsidence.
This is where your gutters come into play. They help redirect water, keeping it away from your home. This prevents it from becoming damaged. If you’ve considered whether you need your gutters, the answer is a resounding yes. Gutters are essential for managing rain and water and preventing erosion, mold growth, and structural damage. Let’s explore the benefits of a sound gutter system in more detail.
The Cost Of Not Having Gutters
Not having gutters can cost us financially and damage our property, including foundation damage, basement flooding, siding damage, and landscaping damage, so proper water management is essential.
Foundation Damage
Without gutters, rainwater accumulates around the foundations. Constant exposure to water can cause cracks and settling issues, compromising the structure of our homes.
- Cost of repairs: Fixing damage to the foundations can be very expensive and cost thousands of dollars.
- Long-term problems: Once structural cracks are in your properly, they can slowly worsen as the damage spirals and escalates.
Gutters help redirect water away from our foundation and prevent these costly issues before they start.
Floods in the Basement
Without gutters, your basement can flood, which can affect the foundations. Rainwater that runs off the roof and pools around the foundation can seep into the basement.
- Water damage: Pooled water might damage walls, insulation, and flooring.
- Mold growth: Damp areas create an environment for mold, a health risk to our families.
A sound gutter system directs water away from the house and avoids the drama of a flooded basement.
Siding And Exterior Damage
Rainwater that cascades down from the roof without gutters can damage our home’s siding and exterior paint.
- Rot and Water stains: When water persists in an area, it can result in stains and potential wood rot. Once rot creeps in, you often must replace the wood or make extensive repairs.
- Decreased property value: Problems like water-damaged siding can reduce an appeal and market value, making it harder to sell.
Gutters protect our siding and help maintain our home’s look and market value.
Landscaping Erosion
Heavy rain can wash away soil and plants in our landscaping without gutters.
- Erosion issues: These affect the appearance of our yard and damage flower beds, gardens, and shrubs, requiring more expense to restore.
- Water flow disruption: The natural flow of water is disrupted, making it hard for plants to get the right amount of moisture.
Gutters can manage water flow better, keeping our landscaping intact and looking great.
Roof Damage
Rain will run straight from the roof without gutters, hitting brickwork or siding or pooling near the foundations; this can cause damage to your home. It can also lead to:
- Wear and Tear: water wears down shingles, resulting in leaks and roof repairs.
- Ice and Freezing: In colder locales, water freezes, forming ice dams that can move the shingles and tiles and penetrate the roof. Damp in bricks can also lead to bricks spalling. As water freezes inside them, it impacts the shape, and the face of the brick can become damaged.
Gutters extend the life of roofs by directing rainwater away and keeping homes leak-free.
Mosquito Breeding
Stagnant water can collect around our homes without proper drainage.
- Breeding grounds: This provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes and more pests around our property.
- Health concerns: More mosquitoes increase our families’ disease transmission and health risks.
Installing gutters ensures water is directed away, reducing stagnant areas that attract insects.
Ice Dams
In winter, poor water management can cause ice dams on our roofs.
- Ice accumulation: When snow melts and then refreezes near the roof’s edge, it can create barriers that trap water under roof shingles, resulting in dampness.
Gutters manage snowmelt, preventing ice dams and winter damage.
Gutters and their Benefits
Rain gutters protect homes by managing water flow properly. This then protects and shields the foundations, giving your home more longevity.
Protecting Your Foundations
Guttering protects the foundations of your property by redirecting water preventing soil erosion. It also protects the foundations of your house. Foundation movement or subsidence can lead to cracks and structural damage in walls.
Protecting your Basement
Heavy rain can lead to basement flooding, but a sound gutter system can reduce this risk. Gutters preserve siding and exterior surfaces by stopping water from falling down the roof. They also prevent peeling paint and wood rot and keep homes looking great by directing rainwater away. This reduces repair or replacement costs.
Your Landscaping
Gutters are key to maintaining landscaping health and integrity. They direct rainwater away from gardens and lawns, preventing soil wastage, damage to planting beds, and erosion of walkways. Thus, they preserve outdoor spaces.
Extending Your Roof’s Life
Rain gutters prevent water from pooling on the surface, which can cause leaks and damage. Proper drainage minimizes roof damage and saves you money on future repairs.
Investing in your home
Rain gutters are essential for protecting your investment and preventing damage to the exterior. They also prevent costly repairs and retain property value, making them necessary for responsible homeowners.
Protect your home with New Vision Exteriors
Without rain gutters, you can have many issues caused by water ingress. These can cost you significantly as you deal with external, structural, roof, and foundation damage. Gutter systems direct rainwater away from our roofs and walls, preventing erosion and keeping our basements dry. It will protect the value of your home time.
If you’re considering installing new gutters, check out New Vision Exteriors. They offer a range of gutter solutions to help you protect your home. Call today to discuss your needs and take a step toward controlling water damage.