Why Are Gutters So Important?

Home Maintenance — Prepare & Repair

With severe weather seasons on their way, bringing heavy – at times, torrential rains, we think it’s time to have a look at the importance of having properly installed, free-flowing gutters (and! maybe even some gutter guards!) …

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Why are gutters important?

— Prevents Minor → Serious Roof Damage: Without a proper gutter system, rainwater can collect on your roof, running underneath the shingles and leading to possible damage. In cases of very heavy rains (and if your roof has been sustaining water damage for some time) the added weight of collected rainwater on your roof can also lead to cave-ins and other structural damages.

— Protects Your Foundation: Rainwater that isn’t properly directed off and away from your home will instead fall around it, possibly eroding the dirt at the base and eventually leading to cracks in your foundation.

— Protect Siding/Exterior: Instead of allowing rainwater to run directly down the side of your building, gutters direct runoff away, helping to prevent damage to siding or erosion of brick exteriors.

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What can you do, and how?

— If you already have proper gutters installed on your home — check to make sure that water is being properly carried away from the roof, your siding, and foundation … If it’s not, you may need to safely clean your gutters and/or hire a professional to clean and make repairs

**Disaster.Guide Team Suggestion** — “Leaf” or “Gutter Guards” can be installed over your open gutters, to allow water to pass through without letting leaves & debris collect in your gutters – lessening the need to clean them 🙂

— If you DO NOT have proper gutters installed on your home — although having gutters installed on your home can be expensive, they save/increase your money in the short- and long-term — avoiding roof damage not only decreases repair costs, having properly installed gutters can also increase the value of your home. Find a licensed, reputable service provider for installation, and ask about possible financing options

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When is a good time to inspect / clean / install gutters?

NOW! … With spring weather having arrived, and severe weather seasons approaching, the time to ensure your home is protected by a proper, well-installed, free-flowing gutter system is — Now, or, ASAP, when finances and free time for project planning align.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Cleaning / Maintaining / Repairing gutters can be extremely dangerous — Keeping you safe from harm is equally if not more so important than keeping your roof safe from damages! It is highly recommended to seek the assistance and services of licensed, reputable professionals.