Gutters do more than you realize
People tend to think gutters just keep rainwater from falling on your head as you enter or leave you home. If this were true, it wouldn’t really be necessary to have them located anywhere except over doorways. In reality, there is much more to this often overlooked feature on your home than you might realize.
While it’s a bit troublesome to keep up with your drain, down spout and gutter maintenance, it is well worth it considering the problems and issues that could arise if you didn’t have them. Water is an incredible force; just look at all the flooding and devastation from hurricanes in the south this past year. Just one inch of rain on a typical 2,000 sq ft home yields a overwhelming 1,200 gallons of rainwater. Imagine the level of damage that much water could do if it wasn’t properly managed and diverted through gutters and downspouts.
What are some of the problems?
For starters, that much water pouring off the roof directly on the ground around your property can put incredible stress on the foundation, resulting in seepage into your crawlspace, basement, or even into the home itself. There is also a risk of experiencing damage to your property’s siding over time. In addition, it’s much easier for runoff to seep back into your roof via the eaves and soffits, creating water damage in your attic, exterior walls and maybe even the interior walls. This could leas to wood rot or toxic mold, and all the problems these issues can cause. In the winter months, this water can freeze and expand, which can cause pretty severe structural damage.
Solutions
Having sufficient gutters and downspouts on your property isn’t enough to properly protect your home. It is very important to make sure they are clean and in good condition, have the proper angle off the roof, and slope in a way so the rainwater moves quickly away from your home. If you have questions about your gutters or would like a quote for installation, cleaning or repairs, contact us at Idaho Custom Rain Gutters. Our years of specialized experience in the gutter industry assures you of a professional and quality result that will protect your home and keep the rain off your head.