When you think of your dream home, you’re probably not spending too much time mulling over its gutters; however, if you want to have a house that’s in good working order, it needs to have a system of gutters that are not only properly installed, but regularly maintained as well.
In essence, the purpose of gutters is to prevent damaging rainwater from wreaking havoc on your home, but it’s important to understand that it can effect more than your siding:
-Causes destabilization of soil around the house
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-Creates foundation issues
-General flooding under the house and in the basement
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-Leads to erosion of landscaping and turf
-Settling/cracking of patios, driveways, and sidewalks
-Deterioration of exterior doors
-Water staining on brick and stone masonry
Once installed, it’s still important for homeowners to understand that even the best gutters require vigilance and regular cleaning. Unless they are kept in working order—to include the frequent elimination of soil, leaves, grass, and weeds—you’re likely to experience water damming, leaks that can damage walls and flooring, and general deterioration.
The frequency with which you need to conduct maintenance depends upon the slope your roof and whether there are trees within close proximity to its edges; however, most houses need their gutters to be cleaned AT LEAST twice per year—sometimes more during the fall months.
With that being said, your first concern should be whether or not your home has a properly installed gutter system, which includes seamless gutters that are fastened to the fascias and downspouts that are secured to home’s exterior. They should not hold standing water or leak, and they should never simply dump water along the foundation of the home. Additionally, while leave guards may help in blocking some of the leaves and other matter which can create problems, many of them tend to restrict water from entering the gutter, which brings up further issues.
In the end, it’s important to do your homework and understand what you should be looking for in regards to your home. If you’re hoping to add gutters for the first time or to redo the ones already installed, it’s important to speak with an experienced builder who can help you make the best choice.
You shouldn’t have to worry that a little rain will wind up costing your thousands of dollars in remodels. If you have questions, please contact us to learn about the options available.
Mirko Attolini | CRES Builders | www.cresbuilders.com | 770-983-4698
