As spring is just around the corner, some of you are possibly making plans to build a new home or commercial building. Some of you may be looking for ways to save money. So you may be asking, “Do I really need gutters on my new home?”
Gutters are an interesting topic in roofing and construction, because while it seems everyone understands the general purpose of gutters, there are also several misconceptions out there and even some question as to whether or not gutters are truly necessary, and the extent of what they do.
What Gutters Do
Gutters are designed to redirect water away from your home and foundation. When clean and functioning properly, rainwater and other precipitation flows into the gutters, which then direct the water safely away from your home.
Benefits
By moving water away from your home, you:
- Prevent erosion. Without gutters, the rain would fall directly next to our house, eroding the soil.
- Protect your foundation. Worse than eroding the soil, which is a comparatively less costly fix, too much water seeping into your foundation requires a highly expensive fix, and can be dangerous.
- Protect siding. Rainwater is going to batter your siding regardless, but when additional water slowly drips off the roof, it can stain (and, depending on your type of siding, possibly rot) your siding, decreasing its life span.
- Prevent flooding. Directing water toward a drain or safe area eliminates puddles, which can lead to flooding.
Remember: All those benefits go away, and can even get worse, if you don’t first install gutters and then keep them clean and in working order.
Are Gutters Always Necessary?
There are no laws that require new construction to include gutters. And, although rare, depending on where you live and the type of construction, gutters may be nothing more than an added expense and maintenance project for you.
In most cases, though, adding and maintaining gutters will be one of the wisest, albeit least glamorous, decisions you can make for your home.
Do I Need Gutters on My Home?
If you live in Western Kentucky or anywhere in our region, it’s far more likely that you should have gutters on your home. While cleaning and maintaining gutters can be a dirty, tedious task, it’s well worth the effort to prevent potential costly, dangerous problems.
However, there are a few reasons you might not need the added expense and maintenance.
If you live somewhere with extremely little rainfall (that is, not in Kentucky or anywhere nearby), or if your home is surrounded by concrete that slopes away from your home or building, which protects the foundation, you may be fine without gutters.
In short, you almost definitely should have gutters on your home.
We Can Help
If you are anywhere in the Western Kentucky region and looking for new gutters, gutter cleaning, gutter repairs or gutter guards, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. We are your one stop shop for all things gutter related. For more information or a FREE QUOTE, give us a call at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!