Houses need gutters to prevent water damage. Gutters deflect and channel water away from your home. The Romans brought drainage systems to Britain as far back as 47 AD. Throughout time the importance and ability to collect and direct water from buildings has become more and more refined. Gutterman of TN has combined the fundamental principles of preserving structures from water damage and advancements in technology to become the premier gutter company in Middle Tennessee.
Do all houses need gutters? Most do. The website Sound Resource Center explains, “Gutter systems may not be needed in an arid climate and areas not subject to periods of heavy rains. The rest of us need a good system to collect the storm water that lands on our roofs and directs the collected water away from the house. We need such a system in order to help reduce water and moisture damage to our homes. The wetter the climate the more we need a properly functioning gutter system. Water that collects next to the foundation of a house will tend to find its way into some part of the structure and that can cause water and moisture damage.”
The Old House website cautions homeowners what happens when their gutters do not function properly, “An improperly functioning gutter and leader system can contribute to water and ice backing up against fascias and under roof shingles, can damage soffits, and can discolor or deteriorate siding materials. Faulty gutters and leaders can also lead to soil erosion adjacent to buildings and serious water and foundation displacement problems in basements and crawl spaces.
There are several important things for homeowners to know about gutters:
Not all gutters are created equal nor do they serve the same purpose. Today’s marketplace offers a variety of gutters and downspouts that can be custom tailored to your home style, local weather, roof type, and the position of your home on your property. Gutters come in different sizes, styles, and protective covers. One size does not fit all.
Protective covers are a critical aspect to maintain functioning gutters. Clogged, blocked, or damaged gutters and downspouts retain water, collect debris, attract pests, harbor mold, and allow water to seep into your home’s wall and foundation.
Gutters and downspouts must be strategically placed in order to be effective in channeling water away from your home. The slope of your roof, numbers of levels to your home, and slope of your property all need to be factored into ensuring you have proper drainage.
Builder Don Horn a proponent of gutterless homes in Pine, PA admits “Rainwater or melt from snow still need to be routed to storm drains, Without gutters, moisture runs from the roof into a French-drain-like system of gravel over a perforated pipe that collects the water and carries it to drain connections.
Those drains are right below the roofline, but when there are gables on a house, the combined angles can send water spouting out at the bottom, That gusher requires a section of drain perhaps 6 or 8 feet away from the house.”
Conclusion? Consult a professional gutter company to determine whether or not you need to add gutters to your home. If you already have a gutter system attached, have an inspection to ensure the gutters you have are functioning properly. Don’t wait until you have a water problem to address the issue of gutters or no gutters.