The Importance of Proper Gutter Installation

Gutters and downspouts are essential for a home’s protection against water damage. They channel rainwater and snow melt away from the house, preventing basement flooding, foundation cracks, and soil erosion.

A properly functioning gutter system helps homeowners save money and protects their roof, foundation, and surrounding landscaping. Skywalker Roofing explains The Importance of Proper Gutter Installation. Read this first!

Protects Your Roof

Having gutters in place helps protect your home from water damage. Without gutters, rainwater can wreak havoc on your roof, siding, and landscaping, as well as cause serious structural problems in the house itself. Gutters collect and move rainwater away from the foundation, preventing damage and saving money.

Make sure your gutters slope down at least 1/4 inch for every ten feet of gutter run. Keeping this in mind will prevent your gutters from getting clogged with dirt and debris and overflowing during rainstorms.

Work with a partner when installing long sections of gutter, especially when working from a ladder. You will be safer and more productive with a helping hand. Use a level to ensure that the gutter slopes properly. Make any adjustments as needed.

Prevents Ice Dams

When gutters are not properly installed, snow will collect at the lower edge of the roof and then refreeze into ice dams. These can pull gutters off the house and cause damage to the roof and gutters. Gutter installation should always be done with a professional.

If left unchecked, ice dams can cause costly roof and gutter damage. They can also lead to water damage within the home and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Proper insulation is a key factor in preventing ice dams, along with regular roof raking and removing snow buildup as soon as it forms. A professional will be able to ensure that the gutters are properly installed and sealed. They will also be able to prevent the formation of ice dams by using special metal flashing that can slip under shingles and roofing paper.

Maintains Your Home’s Insulation

Water damage due to faulty gutters can lead to cracks in the foundation and extensive damage to the home’s structure. It can also create a humid environment that encourages the growth of dust mites and mold, which can cause respiratory problems in family members.

Gutter systems should be installed on all sloped roof edges and have downspout outlets, preferably with a slight downward slope to encourage water flow. Gutter sections should be joined using elbows and connected to downspouts with brackets, preferably Speed Screw hangers, which screw right up to the fascia board. All corners and angles should be mitered or angled for a secure connection. Each gutter section and downspout outlet should be crimped on one end, so each piece fits inside the next with a tight fit.

Prevents Foundation Damage

A home without gutters or with improperly functioning gutters can face major problems. One of the most common is foundation damage. Without gutters, soil erosion will occur and water will pool around your home’s foundation, causing hydrostatic pressure that can cause cracks in your foundation and basement walls.

Gutter systems will prevent this type of erosion by directing rainwater away from your foundation. Using a level and tape measure, mark a slope line on the fascia boards at the end of each gutter run. The slope should be approximately 1/4 inch per 10 feet. A gutter installation professional will ensure that your gutters are properly angled. This will prevent water from damaging your siding, windows, and paint while preventing leaks in the basement or crawl spaces and mold growth.

Increases Home Value

A gutter system that functions properly, collecting and draining rainwater away from your home, will keep the exterior of your house in decent market listing shape. Likewise, your landscaping will be kept healthy and aesthetically pleasing.

However, without a gutter system, water can seep into your roof and cause serious damage to the wood of your roof, walls, and foundation. This can lead to costly repairs and a compromised structural integrity of your home.

Additionally, standing water can lead to indoor humidity and moisture issues, which are a breeding ground for mildew and mold. These are health hazards that can trigger respiratory problems and allergies in family members. In addition, moisture can also cause your home’s insulation to lose efficiency, which will increase your heating bills. Find out more!