Are gutters necessary? Many homeowners debate the importance of gutters. Not all homes have gutters. Others have failing or inefficient ones. Although gutter systems have been around for centuries, most homes did not incorporate them until the past few decades. “Older” homes (built before the 1990s) often lack gutters. However, this fact does not detract from the need for gutters on virtually every home. The advantages of installing gutters far outweigh the drawbacks.
The Benefits Of Gutters For Drainage
If your home doesn’t have gutters, consider the following advantages of installing a new gutter system for drainage from your home.
Gutters Control Hardscape Deterioration
A hardscape surface is a solid surface manufactured from stone, asphalt, concrete, or brick, including driveways, patios, and walkways. Prolonged and persistent moisture exposure weakens these substances.
Gutters Curb The Risk Of Landscape Erosion
Water runoff from the roof line to the ground below causes trenching and pooling in the yard or landscaping. To avoid this, gutters with downspouts should be installed to channel water efficiently from the roof.
Gutters Limit Or Prevent Water Leaks
Gutters prevent moisture from contacting wood surfaces, such as fascia boards and wooden soffits. Without gutters, water penetrates the wood, resulting in rot. Once wood rot begins, the wood will need repair or replacement.
Gutters Protect Your Roof From Damage
A quality gutter system will divert water from the roof’s sublayers, siding, windows, doors, and foundation. Your home will be protected from the challenge of flooding, mold, mildew, and moisture damage.
Gutters Uphold Your Home’s Curb Appeal
As a homeowner, you likely chose the siding, roofing, and other exterior materials based on your preferences. Unfortunately, without gutters, these surfaces are far more susceptible to water damage, including staining and mildewing.
How Water Flow Impacts A Home
Water is wonderfully beneficial to the human experience but can also be destructive. How water flows determines its impact on the well-being of your home and surrounding property. At its worst, water can influence the stability of a home’s foundation, possibly causing structural damage due to flooding or persistent penetration through surfaces due to poor drainage. Similarly, water can also lead to mold and mildew damage, requiring costly remediation. Channeling rainwater and snowmelt away from the home should remain a top priority.
Are Gutters Necessary For A House?
Few exceptions exist where gutters do not provide a net benefit compared to not having gutters. Gutters are crucial in wetter climates (including Michigan) and where homes have basements, which applies to most Michigan homes. In rare instances, a home with a unique roof design does not need gutters. A house without gutters is far more susceptible to flooding, water damage, and mold growth.
Considerations When Choosing Gutters
Gutters are not one-size-fits-all. The homeowner must select a gutter professional with access to diverse options. A qualified gutter specialist will offer the homeowner a selection of gutters with different features to align with their needs and preferences. Evaluate the following factors when choosing the appropriate gutter system for your home:
Gutter Aesthetics
Attractive gutters provide a sleek look for your home. Today, homeowners can choose from various colors, styles, and designs to complement their home or match a particular feature. Gutters can stand out or be discrete. Most homeowners prefer that gutters blend with the home’s existing exterior aesthetic. Gutter suppliers create gutters with this preference in mind.
Gutter Installation
Without a qualified gutter technician, the installation process can be messy. Improper installation is a significant reason gutters prematurely fail or do not function optimally. A technician must evaluate the slope or pitch to maximize efficient water flow toward downspouts. Additionally, seamless gutters can provide a long-term performance advantage over segmented gutters.
Gutter Material Choice
Gutters are manufactured from many different materials, such as aluminum, copper, vinyl, steel, and zinc. Each substance provides unique properties for durability, longevity, and upkeep. For instance, copper gutters offer extended longevity compared to other alternatives. Conversely, aluminum gutters are lightweight and rust-resistant for homes subjected to frequent precipitation.
Gutter Size & Capacity
How much water can a gutter handle without overflowing? Experts measure gutter capacity in gallons per minute (GPM), measured by the gutter’s pitch and cross-sectional area. To determine the appropriate gutter size, evaluate your local climate, roof layout, and home size. Use a gutter size calculator to estimate the right option, or consult with a qualified professional like Tittle Brothers.
Hiring A Qualified Gutter Installation Professional
Homeowners in Southeast Detroit can depend on Tittle Brothers to deliver exceptional gutter installation and replacement services. Let us know if you have questions about whether new gutters make sense for your situation. We will meet with you at your convenience to discuss options.
Contact Tittle Brothers today to learn more about the benefits of gutters or to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.
