7 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Rain Gutters

Rain gutters serve many important functions that will ultimately benefit your home for years. From keeping your possessions dry to preventing damage to your home, gutters can help save you additional money and maintenance. Learn why investing in rain gutters is a smart choice for any homeowner wanting to keep their home dry, clean and valuable.

Why New Gutters Save Money

Like any home improvement project, deciding to install rain gutters is an investment. However, it can definitely be worth your money as it proves to be a necessary asset on rainy days. Gutters can help you be a proactive homeowner by preventing further issues that would increase costs in the long run. Here are some reasons why investing in rain gutters is a project you shouldn't pass up.

Keep People Dry

Obviously, you don't want to enter or exit your home and get soaked by a waterfall coming from above. Gutters collect rain from your roof and transfer it to the ground without pouring all over the place. Their purpose is to divert the rain away from your roof and onto the ground in a controlled way.

Avoid Basement Flooding

Without gutters, rain can pool up around your home's foundation, seep through cracks into basements and cause flooding problems. Gutters direct water away from your home efficiently into drains and lower ground to prevent uncontrollable seepage. This is due to a curved piece attached to the end of the gutter, called a downspout, which dumps water onto a splash block. The splash block rests on the ground, slows down the force of the water pouring out and directs it safely away from your home's base.

Create a Neater Look

Water flowing against your home can get sloppy, as it splashes dirt and residue against siding. Over time, this will cause your home's appearance to look dirty, forcing you to clean up the mess often. It can also make paint chip away, which calls for the eventual repainting of your exterior. Gutters consolidate rain, keeping your home looking like new without extra effort. Keep your gutters themselves looking neat too by learning how to

Prevent Decay

Your home's exterior and roof may be lined with tar paper and plywood, which are not completely waterproof. Since siding and shingles are installed in pieces over these materials, they might have gaps and shift over time, so water may eventually sneak under them. As water leaks in, siding and roofs soaked with excessive water can begin to deteriorate and even rot. Materials can eventually break down and crack, causing your home to essentially fall apart over time. Rain gutters funnel the water away from your home, avoiding these problems and keeping your home in tact.

Guard against Mold

As your home's exterior gathers too much moisture, mold is likely to grow in unwanted places due to humidity and weak ventilation. As water leaks inside walls, drywall can act as a food source and be a hot spot for mold growth. Mold can be difficult to remove and toxic to your home if not treated correctly. Rain gutters can reduce the rush of water seeping into your home and therefore lower the chance of mold development.

Eliminate Insects

Mosquitoes, termites and other pests are attracted to damp areas and standing water. Without gutters directing water away from your home, it can become very attractive for bugs. Insects surrounding your home can be unpleasant and annoying. What's more, they can even start to eat away at your home's exterior. As the gutters and enclosed downspouts divert water away from the roof and home, you reduce the risk of standing water and increased amounts of pests.

Protect Landscaping

Pools of water landing on your roof are likely to run off into your yard, damaging landscaping from heavy flows. Furthermore, large amounts of water can erode soil, causing your home's foundation to weaken. Rain gutters can control the amount of water passed into your yard, which is better for your grass, plants and vegetation. You can redirect water away from your foundation by installing a gutter system that forces water to pass away from, rather than onto your landscaping.

Aluminum Rain Gutters

There are various types of materials for rain gutters, including aluminum, copper and steel.

Replacing Old Gutters

Old gutters can become leaky and worn out, causing water problems for your home. Watch for signs that indicate that gutter replacement should be your next investment before further damage occurs. These could include cracked, peeling, moldy or bent gutters that don't look or work right after years of use and exposure to outside elements. It's a good idea to replace gutters when they are no longer funneling rain away from your home in a neat, efficient way. Make sure to inspect your gutters every so often to check if they are doing their job correctly. Replace old gutters with new, durable ones that protect your home. While some more advanced DIYers may be comfortable tackling this project, there are plenty of reputable companies that will remove and replace your gutters. Make sure to do your research and hire a pro!

Cost

You may be wondering what this investment will cost you. Depending on the type of material and the amount needed for the size of your home, prices can range anywhere from $3-$25 per linear foot. It's ultimately up to you how much you want to spend. Make sure you are buying a quality product that works efficiently, matches your home's appearance and fits your budget.

Rain Gutters Are a Worthwhile Investment

Since now you know the benefits of having rain gutters for your home, you should consider making the investment. Stop letting uncontrolled streams of water damage your home and take the step towards installing rain gutters. Gutters are an important feature to keeping your home dry and preventing unnecessary problems. Save money now and invest in rain gutters to make the future rainy days end!

Rain gutters serve many important functions that will ultimately benefit your home for years. From keeping your possessions dry to preventing damage to your home, gutters can help save you additional money and maintenance. Learn why investing in rain gutters is a smart choice for any homeowner wanting to keep their home dry, clean and valuable.Like any home improvement project, deciding to install rain gutters is an investment. However, it can definitely be worth your money as it proves to be a necessary asset on rainy days. Gutters can help you be a proactive homeowner by preventing further issues that would increase costs in the long run. Here are some reasons why investing in rain gutters is a project you shouldn't pass up.Obviously, you don't want to enter or exit your home and get soaked by a waterfall coming from above. Gutters collect rain from your roof and transfer it to the ground without pouring all over the place. Their purpose is to divert the rain away from your roof and onto the ground in a controlled way.Without gutters, rain can pool up around your home's foundation, seep through cracks into basements and cause flooding problems. Gutters direct water away from your home efficiently into drains and lower ground to prevent uncontrollable seepage. This is due to a curved piece attached to the end of the gutter, called a downspout, which dumps water onto a splash block. The splash block rests on the ground, slows down the force of the water pouring out and directs it safely away from your home's base.Water flowing against your home can get sloppy, as it splashes dirt and residue against siding. Over time, this will cause your home's appearance to look dirty, forcing you to clean up the mess often. It can also make paint chip away, which calls for the eventual repainting of your exterior. Gutters consolidate rain, keeping your home looking like new without extra effort. Keep your gutters themselves looking neat too by learning how to clean them easily Your home's exterior and roof may be lined with tar paper and plywood, which are not completely waterproof. Since siding and shingles are installed in pieces over these materials, they might have gaps and shift over time, so water may eventually sneak under them. As water leaks in, siding and roofs soaked with excessive water can begin to deteriorate and even rot. Materials can eventually break down and crack, causing your home to essentially fall apart over time. Rain gutters funnel the water away from your home, avoiding these problems and keeping your home in tact.As your home's exterior gathers too much moisture, mold is likely to grow in unwanted places due to humidity and weak ventilation. As water leaks inside walls, drywall can act as a food source and be a hot spot for mold growth. Mold can be difficult to remove and toxic to your home if not treated correctly. Rain gutters can reduce the rush of water seeping into your home and therefore lower the chance of mold development.Mosquitoes, termites and other pests are attracted to damp areas and standing water. Without gutters directing water away from your home, it can become very attractive for bugs. Insects surrounding your home can be unpleasant and annoying. What's more, they can even start to eat away at your home's exterior. As the gutters and enclosed downspouts divert water away from the roof and home, you reduce the risk of standing water and increased amounts of pests.Pools of water landing on your roof are likely to run off into your yard, damaging landscaping from heavy flows. Furthermore, large amounts of water can erode soil, causing your home's foundation to weaken. Rain gutters can control the amount of water passed into your yard, which is better for your grass, plants and vegetation. You can redirect water away from your foundation by installing a gutter system that forces water to pass away from, rather than onto your landscaping.There are various types of materials for rain gutters, including aluminum, copper and steel. Aluminum gutters are often considered the best option since they are affordable and functional. This lightweight material is easy to install and can potentially hold more water than other types. Aluminum rain gutters can be custom made in various sizes, can be easily painted to any color and don't rust. They are said to last for around 20 years, so they are great for long-term need. Consider investing in aluminum rain gutters as the go-to product to keep your home dry.Old gutters can become leaky and worn out, causing water problems for your home. Watch for signs that indicate that gutter replacement should be your next investment before further damage occurs. These could include cracked, peeling, moldy or bent gutters that don't look or work right after years of use and exposure to outside elements. It's a good idea to replace gutters when they are no longer funneling rain away from your home in a neat, efficient way. Make sure to inspect your gutters every so often to check if they are doing their job correctly. Replace old gutters with new, durable ones that protect your home. While some more advanced DIYers may be comfortable tackling this project, there are plenty of reputable companies that will remove and replace your gutters. Make sure to do your research and hire a pro!You may be wondering what this investment will cost you. Depending on the type of material and the amount needed for the size of your home, prices can range anywhere from $3-$25 per linear foot. It's ultimately up to you how much you want to spend. Make sure you are buying a quality product that works efficiently, matches your home's appearance and fits your budget.Since now you know the benefits of having rain gutters for your home, you should consider making the investment. Stop letting uncontrolled streams of water damage your home and take the step towards installing rain gutters. Gutters are an important feature to keeping your home dry and preventing unnecessary problems. Save money now and invest in rain gutters to make the future rainy days end!

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Gutters are an integral part of a home's roofing system. They are channels or troughs installed along the roof's edge to collect and channel rainwater away from the home. Their purpose is to protect a home's foundation, walls, and landscape from water damage caused by rainwater runoff. In this blog post, we will delve into the common question of, whether gutters are necessary for a house and what are the potential consequences of not having them. 

We will discuss the importance of home gutters, the damage that can occur if a house does not have them, and ultimately conclude whether gutters are necessary for a home.

Importance Of Installing Quality Gutter Systems On Your Home

Let us first settle the question of whether gutters are necessary. Yes, gutters are necessary for your home. But if you are a homeowner thinking about whether or not you should update your home and install new gutters, you first need to understand the importance gutters play in keeping your home safe. Below we have explained some of the reasons why gutters are necessary, and you should not ignore them. 

Gutters Play A Part In Protecting A Roof From Leaks 

Most homeowners in Pittsburgh are unaware that gutters contribute to the increase in the lifespan of your roofing shingles. The shingles on a roof are the first line of defense against harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow. 

During heavy rain, there is a high chance that water may collect on your roof and pond, otherwise known as standing water. With gutters, there is less of a chance of water pooling on your roof, as gutters will help channel the rainwater collected from the roof away with the help of downspouts. 

If you do not install gutters, the water could stay on your roof for a long time, which can damage roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. This situation can even lead to a higher risk of roof leaks. 

Gutters Also Protect Your Foundation

Though protecting your roof is a gutter's primary purpose, it is not the only one. The gutters play a crucial role in preserving the foundation of a house too. They do this by directing rainwater away from the base of the home. 

The foundation of a home is the structural base that supports the entire house. Foundations are critical for the house's structural integrity, and any damage or settlement to the foundation can have severe consequences for the whole house.

If rainwater is allowed to pool around the foundation, it can lead to water infiltration and damage to the structure of the home. Gutters channel the rainwater to a downspout, which carries the water away from the house, and prevents water from pooling around the foundation.

Helps With Landscaping

In addition to protecting the house, gutters also play a role in protecting landscaping. When rainwater is allowed to flow freely off the roof, it can cause erosion to the soil around the house. This can result in plants becoming dislodged and washing away with the topsoil, causing damage to the landscape. Rain gutters help to channel rainwater away from the house, and keep it flowing, preventing erosion and protecting landscaping.  

Improve The Curb Appeal Of Your Home 

The gutters are not only necessary because they serve a functional purpose, but they also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a house. Properly maintained gutters add a finished look to a roofline and can complement a house's overall aesthetic. Having clean gutters and downspouts that are free of debris and stains also improves a home's overall appearance.

Additionally, gutters can enhance curb appeal by directing water away from the house and keeping the landscaping intact. 

Gutter Systems Prevent Basement Flooding

Gutters become all the more critical if your home has a basement. For most homeowners, a basement is a crucial place where you can keep your belongings safe, but leaks and floods in the basement do no favors. If you want to avoid this situation, gutters are the key. 

Rainwater that is not properly channeled away from the house can seep into the basement, causing flooding and water damage. A properly installed and maintained gutter system is designed to collect and channel rainwater away from the house and foundation, preventing water from pooling around the home's base and seeping into the basement.

What Happens When You Don't Install Gutters?

Now that we have discussed why rain gutters are necessary let us move to the next part of the blog. Not having gutters, or having clogged or damaged gutters can lead to several problems for a house. Some of the potential damage that can occur include the following:

Foundational Damage 

As we have seen above, gutters protect your foundation from water damage. If your home does not have gutters and you live in an area that has clay-rich soil, then your home could suffer from foundational damage. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit ERA.

Without gutters, rainwater may collect around the foundation, leading to water infiltration and damage to the structure of the house. This can result in cracks, and shifting, which can compromise the integrity of your home.   

Erosion 

Another crucial problem is erosion. Rainwater that flows freely off the roof can cause deterioration of the soil around a home. This can result in plants becoming dislodged and washing away with the topsoil, causing damage to the landscape.

Paint And Stain Issues 

Yes, without gutters, rainwater can cause staining and discoloration on the walls of a home, windows, and doors. Rainwater can splash against the walls and windows, leaving behind stains and discolored spots. The stains can be difficult to remove and may require repainting.

Additionally, water allowed to pool around the base of a home can cause discoloration and staining to the exterior walls. This can be unsightly and decrease the home's overall aesthetic appeal.

More Vulnerable To Pests

Clogged gutters can provide a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes and rodents. When gutters are clogged with debris, they can hold standing water, which can attract mosquitoes and other flying insects. These insects then breed and lay eggs in standing water, leading to infestations.

When Are Gutters Not Necessary?

There are certain situations where gutters may not be necessary for a home. Some examples include the following: 

If Your Home Is Located In A Moderate Climate

It's true that in areas with low annual rainfall, the risk of water damage from rainwater runoff is generally lower, and gutters may not be necessary. However, it's important to note that even in semi'arid regions, there occasionally may be heavy rain or storms, which can cause water damage to a home if there are no gutters in place.

A Large Overhang

A large overhang can also be a factor in determining whether or not gutters are necessary for a house. A roof overhang, or the eaves of the roof, is a roof extension that extends beyond the walls of a home. The size of the overhang can vary with the type of home. A significant roof overhang can act as a barrier, preventing rainwater from hitting the siding and foundation of the house and reducing the need for gutters.

Types Of Gutters That You Should Install On Your Home

Now that you know what gutters do for your home, you may want to know the gutters available on the market. Due to various advancements in the industry, there are multiple styles of gutters. Some of the gutters that our team install include the following: 

• K-Style Gutters
• Box Gutters
• Half Round Gutters

It's essential to consider your home's specific needs and consult a professional before deciding which type of gutter to install. An expert can provide a detailed assessment of the particular needs of the house, and advise on the best course of action.

Best Gutter Installation Service In The Area 

To conclude, gutters are a helpful addition to your home. If you haven't installed gutters and are looking for a professional contractor for your gutter installation project, look no further than the team at McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC. 

We offer the best gutter services in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. Our team has the necessary experience and expertise to install various types of gutters so that you do not have to worry about harsh weather causing water damage to your home. 
Dial (412) 353- to connect with our team, and we will be happy to answer your concerns about gutters, roofing, and siding.

FAQ's

Why Are Gutters Necessary? 

They are important because they protect the home from water damage caused by rainwater runoff. They direct the water away from the house, preventing foundational damage, water damage, erosion, basement flooding, and more.  

When Do I Need Gutter Repair? 

As is the case with most roofing components, gutters can also become damaged with time. It's important to address any gutter damage as soon as it is noticed to prevent further damage and deterioration to the gutters and the home. Regular cleaning and inspecting gutters can help homeowners detect issues early and prevent the need for costly repairs.

What Are The Components Of A Gutter System?

A gutter system is a complex component that is made up of the following parts: 

Gutter
Downspout 
Elbows
Gutter Guards