Gutters: What is their purpose?

While there are many great reasons to install a gutter system, the primary purpose of gutters includes safely transferring runoff from the roof over to the ground, far enough from the foundation of your house that it will not do any harm. Here, we list the purpose of gutters:

Divert Water

They channel rainwater to the downspouts where the runoff can leave the system at a point further away from the foundation. A house could possibly survive without its gutters if rainfall is “normal” all of the time. However, rainfall may be unpredictable. Sleet, heavy rain, and torrential downpours can lead to issues. Excessive water from such weather conditions may wreak havoc on your property and house. As downpipes do their job correctly, the water distribution helps safeguard the landscaping around your house, decreases the odds of a flooded crawlspace or basement, and reduces the quantity of damage a foundation is susceptible to.

Prevent Erosion of Soil

Water that falls freely from the eaves lands upon the ground and may pool in spaces where it cannot be absorbed into the ground. Places where the soil has been washed out, especially close to the base of the outside walls, can cause foundation shifting or cracking if nothing is done to fix the issue. Landscaping that is constantly oversaturated may be an eyesore and will detract from a property’s curb appeal.

Prevent the Growth of Mold

Without gutters, the amount of rainwater a home’s exterior elements is exposed to exponentially increases. Even with the best siding materials and the most energy-efficient windows, consistent rain that makes direct contact with siding panels and glass panes eventually will find ways to enter your residence. Water on inner walls, embedded inside insulation or wet patches on exterior walls that do not dry up completely are prone to mold growth. If mold becomes invasive, it can pose a severe health threat to anyone who lives in the home.

Safeguard Surfaces

Gutters safeguard the finishes related to the exterior of a home from heavy rainwater exposure. Hardware, door trim, window trim, and siding all have finishes that are intended to safeguard the materials those products are made from. By decreasing the the amount of dampness the exterior of your house is exposed, it is possible to extend the life of the siding and additional outside finishing elements.