You may not spend too much time thinking about it, but if you own a home, you are probably aware that you need gutters to collect water when it rains. You may not realize, however, how essential gutters are in protecting your home. Over time, water can accumulate and cause serious damage to your home. A gutter system is designed to direct rainwater and other precipitation away from your house to a safer area. Here are a few reasons why gutters are important.
Gutters prevent erosion
When a home is built to code, it is placed on a slight slope to guide runoff away from the foundation. If you don’t have gutters, rain will flow right from the roof to the ground, and cause erosion. Each time it rains, it will wash away more and more soil. When this happens, your sloped landscape will wear down and cause runoff to flow toward the foundation instead of away from it.
Gutters prevent flooding
Saturated soil becomes very heavy and can place a lot of pressure on the foundation. Over time, this can cause basement walls to crack or push inward. If you have cracks in your foundation walls, water may seep in and flood your basement. Moisture will also promote mold growth, which is a major health concern.
Gutters protect the siding
When dirt, leaves, and other debris are carried down the siding with rainwater, staining may occur. Over time, this runoff can damage your siding and negatively impact your home’s curb appeal. Water damage may cause wood siding to rot, creating holes that may invite unwanted pests into your home. If enough water seeps into your siding, your home’s structural integrity may also be affected.
Gutters protect garden beds
Shrubs and flowers are often planted right next to the house for aesthetic purposes. If soil erosion occurs from excess rain runoff, your garden may be washed away. Even if erosion is minimal, puddles of water may drown your plants. Gutters displace water so your garden will not get flooded.
Installing gutters and keeping them clean is essential when you own a home. At least twice a year, have your gutters cleaned so buildup does not cause rainwater to overflow. If your gutters sag, rust, or show holes, it might be time for a replacement.
