Most homes have gutters that are there to drain excess water away from the rooftop and farther out where the water is less likely to damage the foundation or topsoil often placed near the exterior home walls. Keeping the gutters in good shape involves clearing out the gutters at least two times a year in the spring and again in late fall.
Some homeowners wonder if gutters are really necessary. In most cases, they are an essential component of a home’s main protective surfaces that include the roof and eaves. However, there are a few times when it may not be worth the extra effort to install gutters according to some experienced building and roofing contractors.
Key Takeaways
- Gutters protect roofs, siding, basements, and foundations from costly water damage.
- They help prevent staining, mildew, and deterioration of exterior surfaces.
- Properly working gutters reduce pest problems by eliminating standing water.
- They protect landscaping and prevent soil erosion near the home’s foundation.
- In rare cases, homes in arid regions or with certain designs may not require gutters.
What Purpose Do Gutters Serve?
Gutters are designed to capture water running off the rooftop and depositing somewhere far from the foundation. So they serve an important purpose, because you don’t want water saturating the ground around your home’s foundation.
Let’s talk about how gutters complete this function in greater detail.
The gutters are securely attached to the edges of your home’s roof and can effectively redirect water flow into downspouts to a place at least 4 feet out and away from the home’s lower foundation wall. These gutters are generally shaped like a drainpipe with an open top that catches rainwater and diverts it to a safer location on the ground.
Some gutters have partial or full screens over the top opening allowing water and perhaps some tiny debris to filter into the space while blocking larger debris, like twigs, leaves, and clumps of mud, effectively keeping the gutters and downspouts open and water flowing correctly.
While most gutters are made of several long lengths of aluminum or other material that are linked together, there are newer and better gutter options, including seamless gutters.
Are Gutters Really Necessary For All Homes?
In North America, yes, gutters are necessary. There are some places around the world where gutters aren’t required, such as a desert location with little rainfall. However, for homes in South Jersey, you’re going to need a gutter system that works well.
How Gutters Protect Your Property & Home
Gutters offer more than just being an attractive trim running along your roof. These drain products provide ample protection for your home from expensive water damage. There are other essential purposes that gutters serve, but there are four main protective features of gutters that all homeowners should consider.
1. Prevent Exterior Siding Stain Discolorations & Resultant Deterioration
When the gutters have leaks or are clogged, this can cause the water inside to accumulate and overflow spilling water down the home’s exterior siding or other surfaces. This can then cause marks and stains to discolor the siding. It does not take long for extensive water damage to occur.
Failed gutter action can result in serious deterioration of any item in the water’s path. In addition, the pooled water can quickly create a prime environment for mildew and mold to grow. If that happens, the cleanup tasks are going to be extremely challenging and usually require the expert services of mold and mildew remediation specialists which can be very pricey.
The damaged siding may need to be replaced altogether creating another large and unexpected expense that the homeowner will have to incur.
2. Diverts Water Away from Foundation Preventing Water Seepage Inside Basement or Crawl Space
If a home’s gutters are not in good working order, the home can sustain unwanted water damage because the water is not being diverted properly leaving it to cause a flood pool near the foundation. This water can enter the lower levels of the structure like crawlspaces and basements. This can create a huge problem that can result in wet and damaged exterior and interior building components.
3. Helps Keep Away Mosquitoes & Other Pests That Are Drawn to Water
Mosquitoes, gnats, flies, termites, carpenter ants, and many other pests are drawn to water, especially if the water is still and the temperature is warmer. Gutters help to deter these creatures from starting an invasion of pests near where your family resides.
4. Helps Deter Landscaping Damage & May Prevent Soil Erosion
It is common for homeowners to plant live vegetation like flowers and green ferns and other plants near the entrance of the home or along the foundation. Gutters can help keep larger amounts of water from causing massive soil disruption and erosion along with preventing water damage to the landscaping work near the home.
How to Determine When Your Gutters Need to be Replaced or Repaired
Your home gutters should be inspected for damages at least twice yearly. This should also be completed following significant storms that feature high winds, hail, snow, or heavy rainfall. This does require good balance and effort. The job can also be dangerous for many as it requires getting up near the roof.
Leave Gutter Repairs & Maintenance Tasks to the Gutter Experts
Homeowners can leave gutter repair, replacement, and maintenance jobs to the professional gutter experts instead. This option is faster, and easier, and can bring homeowners welcome peace of mind. These services are often priced low making them a worthwhile consideration.
FAQs About Gutters
Are gutters really necessary on all homes?
In most cases, yes. Gutters protect your home from water damage, but in arid climates or where homes are built higher than surrounding land, they may not be essential.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year—in spring and late fall—or more frequently if your property has many surrounding trees.
What are common signs my gutters need repair or replacement?
Look for sagging gutters, leaks, rust spots, cracks, water pooling near the foundation, or visible mold and mildew on siding.
Can seamless gutters help prevent clogs?
Yes. Seamless gutters have fewer joints where debris collects, making them less prone to leaks, clogs, and ice dams in colder climates.
Should I handle gutter maintenance myself?
Gutter cleaning and repairs can be dangerous. It’s best to leave maintenance to professionals like RGB Construction for safe, reliable service.
Get Your Gutters From RGB Construction
Are gutters really necessary? Yes! Last thing you want is for your gutter system to fail during a terrible storm or when snow starts to melt. As such, you need to make sure you’re maintaining your gutters and getting them repaired when you start to notice issues. If you’re looking to eliminate gutter maintenance, consider getting seamless gutters installed by a contractor like RGB Construction. We do roofing, gutters, and windows, ensuring your home is protected from the elements from top to bottom.
Protect Your Home With Professional Gutter Services
Keep your home safe from water damage, pests, and foundation issues.
RGB Construction provides gutter repair, replacement, and maintenance throughout South Jersey.
Call today to schedule your inspection.
