If you want your house to be in good order, you need to think about everything from the roof to the flooring. However, there is one element that is often ignored because homeowners believe that it is not important – gutters. Gutters should be considered to protect the house from rainwater. Remember that rainwater can wreak havoc on a house if it is not properly controlled.
Here are the different things that you need to know about gutters:
What is a gutter?
A gutter is a component of your house’s roofing system. It is a long-term investment to protect the infrastructure of your house. Basically, it is a surface collection channel that prevents water ingress into the building. Without gutter, water may run down the walls. You have to know that when water is running down the walls, it causes dampness. As a result, it provides a favorable environment for wet rot especially in timber and growth of mold.
How does it work?
Gutters are made from different materials like vinyl, metals (like aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel and copper) and many more. Gutters work by channeling the rainwater to downspouts. Downspouts then carry the rainwater to the ground protecting your foundation, windows, and doors.
What are the common causes of gutter damage?
There are different types of the gutter but the most common is open gutters. Normally, open gutters collect leaves, pine needles, acorns and other debris that can lead to clogging. The clogging can happen anywhere in the downspouts or in the gutter itself. In the dry season, the clogged gutters are a fire hazard. In wet seasons, the clog can cause overflowing of rainwater that can potentially damage your landscape and the building itself.
What are the benefits of the gutter?
It is important that gutters are considered when building a home. As mentioned earlier, gutters can prevent damage caused by water. It can also prevent the flooding in basements. If you have gutters, the soil around the house is stabilized thereby preventing erosion.
What can you do?
You can buy lightweight gutters in home improvement centers. You can glue it together or you can call for experts like gutter installation Toronto. Professionally installed gutters are mostly preferred by homeowners. Of the materials, the most popular type is a metal gutter. Professional gutters will make sure that it is seamless. This means that there are no potential leaks.
Aside from calling the experts, you have to remember gutter maintenance as well. Gutters require work. As homeowners, you need to be vigilant to keep them in order. If you have gutters, it is imperative that you clean it often. Do not wait for your gutters to be filled with too many leaves. The frequency of cleaning will depend on your house like its proximity to trees and roof’s slope.
You may think that rain gutters are small components when it comes to your roofing system but it can make a difference at the end of the day. Now that you know things about it, it won’t be that easy to dismiss it.
