Call us to get your free GoPro Roof Inspection: 816-866-4235

Why Gutters Are a Roof's Best Friend

September 22, 2016

Most people think that the sole purpose of rain gutters is to direct water coming off the roof toward downspouts to keep it from dripping on their heads over doorways. The value of gutters is much more than that, however. Gutters are the great conductors of water off the roof to areas where it can be absorbed safely, protecting the inside and outside of your home.

Water moving off a roof can roll under the edge of the roof and seep under soffits and eaves, weakening the wood. If it drips between the joints or masonry and the framework, your home could be a host to mold and other moisture-related damage. If subject to freezing temperatures, the water inside the wood might freeze and swell, causing internal damage to beams, joists and framing.

When water is controlled, instead of just pouring off of the roof slope, it can:

Prevent siding damage.
Prevent sidewalks, patios and driveways from settling and landscaping from erosion
Prevent staining on brickwork.
Shelter garage doors and exterior doors from damage.
Stabilize soil and the home's foundation.
Protect basements from flooding.

A gutter system that is not in good shape can cause water to run underneath the shingles on the roof, causing roof damage to occur. This is also an issue when it snows, so it is important that you have rain guttering in place for when the snow melts, not just for rain showers.

Downspouts matter too

Make certain that your downspout actually directs the water away from the structure of your home. Rain gutters are designed to collect rain and runoff from your roof and run it to a proper drainage point on the ground. When working as they should, water is directed away from the house, and your foundation as well as the rest of your home are kept dry and healthy.

Poorly maintained and clogged rain gutters often don’t direct the water to the proper drainage points, overflowing during excessive rain and dropping massive amounts of water to the soil below. When this occurs, the soil expands and contracts based on moisture content – it may even freeze during cold weather. This can be a foundations worst enemy! As the soil freezes, expands, contracts, and moves, the nearby foundation may move with it, causing shifting, cracks, and sloping. If it gets bad enough, you could be faced with an exhaustive and expensive foundation repair.

When thinking about your roofing needs, don’t neglect your gutters. A properly-maintained drainage system and a healthy roof provide a long-term relationship that will improve the health and stability of your home.