If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your gutters until there’s a problem. And when that problem arises, it’s usually a big one! Water overflowing from clogged gutters can damage your home’s foundation, landscaping, and even create a serious safety hazard. So why are gutters important for my home? Let’s take a closer look.
Gutters Protect Your Home’s Foundation
Water is one of the most destructive forces on the planet. When it overflows from gutters, it can erode the soil around your home’s foundation and cause cracks or even collapse the foundation itself. If you don’t have gutters, the rain will flow down the side of your home and can cause water damage to your home’s foundation, eaves, and even windows. You should seek a local gutter installer before your home has an issue.
If water is allowed to pool around the base of your home, it can seep into the foundation and cause cracks. These cracks can then lead to even more serious problems like mold, mildew, and structural damage. When gutters are functioning properly, they direct water away from the foundation, helping to keep your home in good condition. Your gutters play an important role in your home’s drainage system, helping to move water away from the foundation and keep your property in good condition. If you don’t have gutters installed on your home, you could be facing costly repairs down the road.
Gutters Protect Your Landscaping
Landscaping is expensive, and you don’t want all of your hard work to be washed away in a storm! Overflowing gutters can deposit water right next to your home, where it will seep into the ground and damage your plants’ roots. Also, if heavy rains are not directed away from flowers and shrubs they can severely damage them by the sheer force of the water coming off the roof. This is where downspouts and gutter extensions are vital to whisking the water away from the foundation.
Gutters Protect Your Siding and Windows
Water that overflows from gutters can also damage your home’s siding and even infiltrate your window seals if you have older windows. Here in the Lowcountry, many homes used a wood composite as trim in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s which had a serious rot issue. The water running down the side of your home only made this worse. Keep in mind you need to have your gutters cleaned on a regular basis for them to be effective.
Gutters Can Save You Money On Your Energy Bills
If your gutters are full of leaves and debris, they won’t be able to do their job properly. This can cause water to drip down the side of your home, which can lead to higher energy bills in both the winter and summer. In the winter, the extra moisture can cause your heating bill to go up as your HVAC system works overtime to keep your home dry. In the summer, the humidity can lead to higher air conditioning bills because the house feels damp. Keeping your gutters clean can help you save money on your energy bills all year round.
Gutters Can Extend The Life of Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and it’s also one of the most expensive to replace. When gutters are full of leaves and debris, they can put added stress on your roof, leading to early wear and tear. A gutter installation professional can help you install a gutter system that will keep your roof in good condition for years to come.
Gutters Add Value To Your Home
One big overlooked benefit of installing gutters is the added value the attached to your home. Even in a good real estate market, gutters show that your are selling a well taken-care of home. The potential buyer know that several of the issues mentioned above are probably not going to be an issue on your home. Homebuyers are always on the lookout for foundation damage and wood rot and gutters can help prevent both these issues.
Gutters Help Prevent Wood Rot
Another reason gutters are so important is that they help prevent wood rot. Wood rot occurs when damp wood comes into contact with oxygen, causing it to break down and decay. If gutters are not installed on your home, the excessive run-off can make your trim, fascia boards, and siding soaking wet and this leads to rot. If you live in a damp area of one with high humidity, the wood may never fully dry out and hastens the process of rotting. In South Carolina and other states with termite issues, wood rot is the number one leading factor to your home getting termite damage.
Installing gutters is an important step in protecting your home from water damage. Gutters help direct rainwater away from your roof and foundation, which can help prevent costly repairs down the road. If you’re interested in having gutters installed on your home, contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your options and provide a free estimate.