What Do You Need To Know About Your Gutter System?
Rainwater can wreak havoc on your house if you don't have correctly installed and maintained gutters. A gutter system must function properly to protect your home from damaging water and moisture. For you to appreciate the importance of rain gutters, it's essential to learn a thing or two about a gutter system.
Importance of A Gutter System
Your gutter system is typically responsible for water management. During a storm, gutters effectively channel rainwater from your roof, down the downspouts, and away from your home's foundation to appropriate areas outside your home. As a consequence, your home will become vulnerable to rusting, rotting, and other water damage.
Gutters also prevent water from settling around the basement and causing flooding. When rainwater overflows from your roof, it can slowly seep into your foundation and gradually weaken the structure of your home. This is why most building officials across the country have recognized the importance of gutters. Besides, many municipalities require gutter systems on all new homes.
Here are other reasons why rain gutters are so important:
- Help stabilize the soil around the house
- Avoid foundation problems
- Prevent flooding under the house and in the basement
- Mitigate erosion and preserve landscaping and turf
- Prevent water damage to siding and exterior walls
- Avert water staining on brick and stone masonry
- Reduce settling and cracking of sidewalks, driveways, and patios
- Preserve exterior doors, as well as overhead garage doors
When installed correctly, galvanized steel or aluminum gutters have an average life expectancy of 25-30 years, while copper gutters last as long as 50. However, you need to schedule regular gutter inspections and cleanings at least twice a year to help identify minor issues before they turn into significant problems.
Where Gutters Are Installed In A House
Gutters are installed on all sloping sides of your roof – not necessarily around the house. It's, therefore, essential to consider your roof's slope when deciding where to install gutters. Unless your roofing system slopes in all directions, you won't need gutters installed all around your home's perimeter. The roof is usually organized to direct rainwater down the slopes. A good roofing contractor will discuss your options and recommend the right size of gutters and downspouts.
How To Choose The Right Gutter Size
No two buildings or roofs are exactly alike. Depending on your home's architectural design and roof pitch, your guttering project will have unique and specific needs. Although 5-inch and 6-inch gutters are the industry standards, certain factors such as geography and architecture can affect decisions about proper sizing.
Generally, a roof with many squares of shingles will channel down a lot of water during a storm. The larger the roof, the more water, hence the need for a larger gutters system. In addition to the roof size, the slope is another factor in gutter size. Always work with an experienced roofer to get expert advice on the correct gutter size for your home based on the pitch.
A third consideration is, of course, the downspouts. You should worry more about your downspout sizing rather than the gutter sizing. Depending on the maximum rainfall in your location, you can choose a downspout size to adequately channel rainwater away from your roof. A trusted roofing contractor can help you work out the number of square inches of rainfall your roof will generate and help you choose the proper downspout.
Work With A Trusted Roofing Contractor For Peace Of Mind
It's always helpful to talk to a trusted local roofer if you have any questions about gutter installation. Installing a gutter system on a home is a project you want to leave to professionals. An experienced roofing contractor can help you determine what size and style of gutters you need and where to install the downspouts. Correctly installed gutters will effectively direct water away from your home's foundation and away from your home. The downspouts should also be extended to ensure no water finds its way into the foundation.
If you're considering gutter installation or replacement in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island, Couto Construction is your ultimate contractor. We have years of experience installing, maintaining, and replacing quality gutter systems. Whether it's seamless aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel, we've got you covered. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!