As usual, the winter weather in the Pacific Northwest is rainy and snowy. While the temperatures aren’t frigid and rarely dip below freezing, it rains nearly everyday. If that doesn’t bother you, then you’re in the right place. However, this year, the weather is snowier, wetter, and windier this year than usual. And, the winter weather makes our gutters more important than ever.
Are Rain Gutters Necessary?
Some of us have wondered if gutters are really necessary. They are prone to clogging, attract nesting birds, can only handle a limited volume of water, and can eventually pull away from your roof or tilt. Some municipalities don’t require rain gutters.. And, some roofers have even advised against them. But, rain gutters are very beneficial to your Seattle or Portland home.
The basic function of a gutter is to channel water and drain it away from your roof and your home. The gutters along your roof catch rainwater as it washes down the roof. This water is channeled through downspouts where it is directed away from your home. By redirecting rainwater, the gutter reduces erosion of the ground against your home and may greatly decrease the risk of basement flooding and foundation damage. Gutters are also designed to reduce erosion by guiding water to a drain or safe area. In some cases, one of the downspouts empties into a tank or barrel for use in a garden during warmer weather.
There are a couple of common reasons you might have for not wanting gutters. In both instances, the problem is solvable. Gutter clogs are the most common complaint about gutters, especially on properties with trees. The clogging issue can be easily solved by adding gutter covers, which are not expensive. Gutter covers also prevent birds from nesting in the gutter. The other common complaint is ice dams. But, gutters don’t actually cause ice dams. The presence of ice dams is evidence of a problem with your attic, which is usually a matter of poor ventilation or insulation. Therefore, ice dams can damage your roof regardless of whether a gutter is installed or not. If you gat ice dams, you should contact a Guardian Roofing professional to check your attic and remedy the underlying issue.
Gutters are important to you home:
- Gutters can prevent landscaping or soil erosion. Water tends to fan out, puddle, or carve into the soil if it is not funneled properly. Properly installed gutter systems should redirect the water in a specific way to prevent water from moving across sidewalks and driveways where it can freeze and cause accidents. Your home should have a drainage plan so that water is directed as far as possible from your home’s foundation to prevent erosion.
- Gutters keep your foundation safe and your basement or crawl space dry. Over time, water and ice can damage your foundation and allow water to collect under your home. Water problems under your home can mean destruction to your equipment, the invasion of pests, and the development of mold.
- Gutters may enhance the aesthetics to your home’s exterior. Gutters can complement the siding, roof color, and the rest of the house. There are lots of gutter materials to choose from. Vinyl gutters come in various colors and are more affordable. Copper gutters are more expensive but look classy and shiny. Aluminum is the most common material used to make gutters as it is very durable and long-lasting.
- Gutters preserve roofing shingles and other roofing materials. It is important that rain water doesn’t seep under the shingles and roof structure. If it does, it damages your roofing material and leads to roof leaks.
- Gutters protect your siding, eaves and soffits. Even the highest quality siding gets damaged over time without gutters in place. Missing, damaged, or clogged gutters allow rainwater to soak and stain anything in its path, including your beautiful siding.
Gutters are an extremely important investment when it comes to protecting your home. Most homeowners might not realize the extremely important role gutters play in keeping your home and property safe from water damage.
If your home needs new gutters, gutter components, or gutter protection, contact Guardian Roofing today by calling 877-926-9966, or requesting your FREE estimate online. Our friendly team of experts is standing by, ready to help you find the best solution to fit your home’s needs.
