Many people think of water damage in a home from either rising flood waters or a leaking roof, but a much more common cause of water damage in a home is water infiltration caused by a non-existent or inefficient gutter system. Though not thought of often, the gutters and down spouts on a home play an important role in collecting and channelling rainwater away from the house where it cannot cause costly damage to either the outer walls or even the foundation. Gutters help to ensure the rainwater does not pool near the home but, instead, is moved away from the home to a less damaging, more acceptable location.
An efficient gutter system helps by moving rainwater away from the building. Gutters should be inspected seasonally to ensure there are no cracks, leaks or clogs, and that water can flow freely. Many roofing companies offer gutter inspections and installations as gutters and roofs are closely related. Because most gutters can be ordered and installed in almost any colour to match the house trim, it’s possible to view the selection online at website.
Hiring a roofing contractor to install gutters helps ensure that they are put up correctly. It’s of utmost importance to make sure the gutter is installed under the eave of the roof at the drip metal flashing. The gutter cannot be installed below the flashing as, if it is, rot will eventually occur on the soffit and fascia board, causing costly repairs. If installed correctly, the slope of the roof guides the water to flow into the gutter, which then flows to the down spout and away from the building.
Without gutters and down spouts, water tends to pour off the roof and down the side walls of the home. In addition to damaging the outer walls and foundation, this onslaught of water can damage planting beds and light-coloured home siding. As the water erodes the dirt in the area, plants are also damaged and, often, staining mud is splashed onto the home’s sliding, causing lasting damage. Gutters help to direct the rainwater to a more appropriate location, minimizing the chance of home damage.
