As fall begins, many homeowners are climbing up on their roofs to inspect and clean out gutters. Getting this job done will do a lot more than just protect your gutters, however. Your home’s #1 enemy is water, and gutters that aren’t working properly will compromise the structural integrity of your home and may lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can endanger your family’s health.
The Benefits of Gutter Systems & Gutter Guards
Water must flow away from your house in order to protect it, and gutters play a vital role in this process.
- After they collect the water runoff from the roof, gutters should carry this water at least five feet away from the foundation. This job is performed by the downspouts.
- Keep in mind that there should be one downspout for every 40 feet of gutter length.
- Many homes, particularly newer ones, have more than just one roof to consider. For example, there might be a roof over the garage, a roof over the second floor and smaller roofs over the porch and kitchen. A gutter trough should be installed along the edge of every roofline, with a downspout to drain away the collected water.
- A downspout from an upper roof should drain into a lower gutter. It should never drain directly onto the roof, as this will cause premature deterioration of the shingles and roof deck.
- Professionally installed seamless gutters are well worth the investment. Do-it-yourself plastic gutters tend to become brittle over time and will begin to leak at the seams.
- Aluminum is the industry standard for gutters because it doesn’t rust like steel and is weather-resistant, unlike plastic. The thicker the gauge of the metal, the more durable the gutters will be.
- Gutters should be cleared of debris before freezing temperatures set in, because any water or debris caught in the trough will freeze, which can overload the gutters and cause damage.
Start Fall Off Right With a Free Gutter Helmet® Estimate
A good way to prevent clogging is to install rain gutter guards that sit directly over the gutters. This prevents leaves and debris from accumulating and eliminates the chore of having to clean slimy, messy gunk out of your gutters. Gutter Helmet® gutter guards are the best gutter guards around, and they’ll aid your gutter system in efficiently directing rainwater away from the house, protecting your roof and home from water damage. Make your gutter system stronger and more maintenance-free by calling Gutter Helmet at (800) 824-3772. You can also reach us online.
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