Water damage poses the greatest risk to the longevity of roofs and siding. As a result, the best investment you can make for your home is to have properly installed gutters and downspouts.
Gutters protect different types of roofing materials and components. They also facilitate the redirection of water to the exterior of the house, which prevents waterlogging and splash-up water damage. Apart from that, here are some other reasons why you should ensure your gutters are installed properly during roofing.
Avoid Moisture and Water Damage
Gutters and downspout, ensure that the water is safely redirected from the roof and the house’s siding. Without them, pools of water can develop, which eventually leads to leaks. Moisture then accumulates in the attic and the interior of the building resulting in the infestation of mold and mildew.
Even though there are regions that are so dry that gutters are not necessary, most homes in the United States would be devastated without them. Storms and snow can also force shingles and siding materials to shift due to the accumulation of water.
Avoid Damage to Your Home’s Exterior
Poor installation of gutters during roofing does not just affect the roof. It can lead to exterior structural damage due to accelerated rotting caused by water damage. This includes damaging your siding, which then impacts the exterior aesthetics of your home. This type of damage can be very costly to the homeowner.
Accumulation of stormwater on the roof may also force the water to run down the siding and walls. That type of flow could devastate the structure of your home if the components are not waterproof. It also means mold could develop at many points of the building, making it hard to find and treat the infestation.
Vinyl siding is more resistant to moisture than other materials, such as wood or stone. It can, therefore, offer some level of protection. However, if it is constantly exposed to water, it will eventually fade and lose its color. Additionally, the moisture could get under the siding material, causing rot, mildew, and mold.
Avoid Ruining Your Lawn and Diminishing Curb Appeal
The other problem with poorly installed gutters is that they could ruin your home’s curb appeal. When pools of water accumulate around the roof, they will eventually find their way to the soil and grass. Since the water is not properly redirected, it will cause flooding and could damage your lawn, as well as valued flowers and shrubs.
If the flooding continues, the soil becomes muddy, and plants begin to get soaked. Unhealthy flowers and tuft can be an eyesore. The resources and time you will need to fix the lawn damage are significant, even without factoring other costs.
Avoid Damaging the Foundation and Basement
Water pooling on the ground leads to muddy soils, which in turn, weaken your home’s foundation. This leads to variation in the density of the soil under your structure. As a result, your house may begin to develop cracks on the floor and walls due to the shifting of the structure.
Gutter Installation and Maintenance
During the installation of gutters, the downspout must be fitted properly. Otherwise, the redirected water could end up pooling on the ground. As you have seen, this weakens the soil and compromises the integrity of the building.
Also, cleaning them ensures that they retain their efficiency in draining rainwater. You can also install a mesh that prevents debris from getting into the gutters drain pipes.
Overall, the entire installation, including the downspout, should be cleared regularly to ensure it is working effectively. These are minor tasks considering the costs caused by the buildup of water on the roof and siding.
In Conclusion
Always ensure that the gutter and the downspout is properly installed and regularly maintained. The accumulation of debris, from leaves, dust, and pests, can place weight that will damage the system. Make a point of consulting a roofing service provider for professional installation and advice on how to maintain your roof and gutters better.