Gutters are high on any list of household irritations for homeowners. Cleaning them, patching holes, connecting them to downspouts, checking them after severe weather – to be effective, gutters require more than seasonal attention. Yet for all the hassles associated with them, gutters are extremely important for supporting a building's structural integrity.

What Are Gutters?

Gutters are narrow troughs that form part of a roof system. They are designed to collect and divert rainwater away from the roof edge, protecting a building's siding, windows, doors, and foundation from water damage. Because they are exposed to the elements and prone to collecting debris, fallen leaves and twigs (or making a home for bird nests and the like), maintaining gutters should be a regular housekeeping task, not just a post-weather event routine.

Why Gutters are Important

There are many reasons why gutters are important for protecting your home, but here are a few of the primary benefits:
  • Soil around the house is stabilized, and erosion can be prevented using gutters with downspouts that divert water run-off. This keeps the foundation dry and protects landscaping around the house, but it may also lessen the settling and cracking of sidewalks, patios, and driveway.
  • Similarly, water damage to siding, window frames and exterior doors can be prevented
  • Integrity of roofing materials is preserved for longer

Caring for Gutters

The frequency of cleaning out gutters depends on where your home is located and what kind of landscape surrounds your property. The more trees you have on your property and the closer they are to your home, the more frequent cleaning out is required. Low slope roofs require more frequent cleaning as debris tends to sit in place – and if you have an asphalt shingle roof, the granule loss over time can build up in your gutters.

You should also check your gutter system regularly for holes, misaligned joints, and disconnected downspouts – especially after major weather events. A good, properly installed system should last 20 years or more, but eventually, gutters do need to be replaced.

If you are a homeowner seeking advice on the repair, replacement or installation of any type of residential gutter system, contact Batterbee Roofing today for a detailed quote.