A properly functioning gutter system is an essential component of any home. Yet, it is often overlooked and taken for granted. A gutter system is made up of a series of channels that collect rainwater and direct it away from your home’s foundation. In this blog, we will discuss the importance and benefits of gutters and why you need them on your house.

Importance of Gutters

Gutters serve as an integral part of your home’s drainage system. The primary function of gutters is to take rainwater away from your home’s foundation and prevent it from pooling around the perimeter of your house. Water can seep into your home’s foundation without proper drainage and cause significant damage. Some of the most common types of damage include:

Cracks in the foundation: Water can infiltrate the soil around your home and into even the slightest crevice of cement or block. In areas where freezing and thawing are common, the water can expand & contract. This expansion & contraction can lead to cracks in the foundation.
Basement flooding: When water seeps into the foundation, it can cause basement flooding, which can be costly & time-consuming to repair.
Erosion: Water can erode the soil around your home, which can cause soil to shift and ultimately damage your home’s foundation.

Gutters can also help prevent water damage to your roof by directing water away from the roof’s edge. If water collects on your roof, it can damage your roof’s shingles, causing leaks and other types of damage.

Benefits of Gutters

Gutters not only protect your home from water damage, but they also offer a range of benefits, including:

roof with leaf debris being removed from gutter

Maintaining Your Landscaping

Gutters can help maintain your landscaping by preventing soil erosion. By directing the water away from your house, gutters can ensure that the soil in your garden and landscape remains in place without getting washed away.

Making Your Home More Approachable

Without gutters, rainwater will be flowing freely off your roof. If you have a doorway at the bottom of a sloped roof, the rain quickly becomes a deluge that one must pass through to enter or exit the home. A simple gutter can make a difference and keep water from pouring and pooling in front of the door.

Preventing Pest Infestations

Gutters can help prevent pest infestations by directing water away from your home’s exterior. Water collecting around your home’s foundation can attract pests like mosquitoes, rodents, and termites. By redirecting water, gutters can reduce the likelihood of pest infestations.

Protecting Your Home’s Exterior

Gutters can also protect your home’s exterior from water damage. When water accumulates along the exterior walls of your home, it can cause mold and mildew. Over time, this can lead to rotting wood, peeling paint, and other types of damage. Gutters can help prevent this by directing the water away from your home.

Gutter Specifications

When installing gutters on a residential home with a sloped roof, several specifications must be met to ensure proper functionality and effectiveness:

Size:

The gutters should be appropriate to handle the water volume expected during heavy rainfall. The size is determined by the square footage of the roof and the average precipitation in the area.

Material:

Gutters can be made of various materials, including aluminum, steel, vinyl, or copper. Choose a material that is durable, rust-resistant, and able to withstand the local climate conditions.

Slope:

The gutters must be installed with a slight slope towards the downspouts to allow proper drainage. A slope of at least 1/16 to 1/8 inches per foot is recommended.

Supports and Brackets:

Gutters should be secured with appropriate supports or brackets at regular intervals. The distance between supports depends on the material used and local weather conditions. Generally, supports should be placed every 24-36 inches.

Downspouts:

Sufficient downspouts should be installed to handle the volume of water and prevent overflow. Downspouts should be placed at regular intervals along the gutters, considering the roof’s slope and the gutter system’s overall square footage.

Correct Placement:

Gutters should be installed slightly (about 3”) below the roof’s edge to catch the water runoff effectively. They should also be positioned to prevent water from flowing behind the gutters, which can cause damage to the fascia and soffit.

Proper Sealing:

All seams and joints in the gutter system should be sealed to prevent leaks. This ensures that water flows through the gutters and downspouts without any seepage.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

Gutters should have accessible points for cleaning and maintenance to ensure they remain free of debris, leaves, or any other obstructions that can hinder proper water flow.

It is advisable to consult with a professional roofing contractor to ensure the specifications are met, as they can provide expert advice based on the specific requirements of your residential home.

Gutters are an essential component of any home. They protect your home from water damage and offer a range of benefits that can help maintain your landscaping, prevent pest infestations, and protect your home’s exterior from water damage. If you don’t have gutters installed on your home or suspect issues with them, contact Moss Roofing today! We’ve worked with homeowners in the Indianapolis, IN area for many years. Our gutters can be designed and installed specifically for your home’s aesthetics and dimensions.