Water is a powerful force in nature. It can be harnessed to create electricity and can carve rivers out of rock, creating massive geological formations like the Grand Canyon. If you collected two inches of rain that fell in one day from the roof of your 1,625 sq. ft. home, you would have collected 2,025 gallons of water.1
If your home had functioning gutters those 2,025 gallons of water would have been diverted away from your home’s siding, windows, foundation and basement. If you don’t have gutters, or your gutters are full of debris, all that water would be soaking into those same areas of your home.
That is why functioning gutters are so important.
They are designed for one critical purpose and that is to channel water and snow-melt away from your home.
Protect the Foundation
A home’s foundation is the area most vulnerable to water damage. When water is draining down the side of your home, instead of the recommended 10 feet away, it pools around your foundation.2 When the ground around your home is saturated with water it tends to seep into any cracks, whether in the cement or stone walls or floor.
Over time, water sitting against a concrete foundation will deteriorate even a sound foundation. Water seepage into a basement or crawl space can also cause rot and weakness in joist and other structural areas as well as leading to the creation of an environment ripe for the growth of mold.
Water pooling at your home’s base can also cause soil erosion. These pockets of depleted soil then collect and store water against your foundation.
The extent of water damage often depends on the type of soil around your foundation. Clay soil retains water and sandy soil drains water, so soil is also a consideration when assessing foundation damage risk.
Gutter Check Tips
Many people begin to question whether it is wise not to have gutters when they see debris sticking out of their gutters and have to climb on a ladder to remove the debris, which is a risky endeavor, especially for older homeowners. An estimated 90,000 people go to hospital emergency rooms each year due to ladder-related injuries, many from falls when cleaning their gutters.3
For people with multiple story homes, the problem is compounded by the height from the ground. Gutters that are full of debris can’t function properly and can actually cause issues like mold growth and the formation of ice dams at the roof’s edges. Frozen water lodged in clogged gutters can also weigh the gutters down, tearing them from the home or loosening the screws attaching the gutters to the home.4
It is recommended that gutters be cleaned twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall after the leaves have fallen. While many people clean gutters themselves, there are companies that specialize in gutter cleaning. Most home improvement companies also offer gutter cleaning.
While gutters aren’t the most glamorous home products, they are an important addition to any home. If you have gutters, make sure they are clean and functioning properly. If you don’t have gutters, consult a roofing or gutter professional to get expert advice on the best gutters for your particular situation.
Leave it to the Home Improvement Pros
Gutters have come a long way, with so many designs and colors to choose from they are hardly an eyesore anymore. In fact, a new seamless gutter system enhances the look of you home, especially with proper installation.
You can count on Excel Home Improvement in Romulus for a seamless gutter installation that will last for years without worry. We install premium gutters that blend perfectly with your roof line ensuring water and heavy rain are managed properly. Our home improvement services are sought after by homeowners throughout the Metro area due to our quality work, products, and customer service.
We also specialize in roofing services, siding installation, soffits, trim and more. Contact us today and speak with a home improvement Pro! Free Estimates
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1 Ask the Builder: Are Gutters and Downspouts Necessary? by Tim Carter, 1/9/2021
Link: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/jan/09/ask-the-builder-are-gutters-and-downspouts-necessa/
2 A Clogged Gutter Can Lead to a Damaged Foundation: Here’s Why by Amber Guetebier, 7/14/2023
Link: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-clogged-gutters-can-damage-foundations.htm
3 Top 7 Reasons People Fall Off a Ladder While Cleaning Gutters by Joe Conley, 7/14/2020
Link: https://joesguttersinc.com/top-7-reasons-people-fall-off-a-ladder-while-cleaning-gutters/
4Are Gutter Actually Necessary? by Glenda Taylor, 3/21/2022
Link: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/are-gutters-actually-necessary/