Why Do Houses Need Roof Gutters?

It’s a valid question since it’s never something you hear Chip and Joanna talking about. The Property Brothers never feature them in any of their designs. In general, neither HGTV nor DIY Network ever speak about the importance of gutters so why should you care? Well, they prevent major damage to your house that can cost serious money, that’s why.

Rain gutters tend to be invisible work horses of your home. They perform an important function, directing rain water away from your home, but most of the time you don’t even realize that they are there. – The SpoutOff

If our Realtors never mention them and our TV house repair gurus never feature them, let’s figure out what we need to know about the importance of roof gutters. Below are three key features of these unsung heroes.
  1. Gutters prevent soil erosion. They help drain water off your roof and away from the foundation. If you have plants or a flowerbed, this is crucial. Without gutters, heavy rain can flood your plants and wash away topsoil. Over time, this leads to erosion around the plants and the foundation, causing serious damage.

  2. Now, let’s discuss foundation protection. When water collects around your house, it creates pressure on the foundation. This pressure can lead to tiny cracks in the walls. Once these cracks form, water can seep in and erode the soil beneath your home. This undermines stability. So, if you don’t want to live in a slanted house, gutters are essential for directing water away.

  3. Lastly, consider siding protection. Homes with water stains and mold on the siding look unattractive. This damages your curb appeal. Dirt, debris, and shingle particles accumulate as water runs down the walls. Over time, this buildup can ruin your home’s appearance. Plus, it can damage the siding and create holes for bugs to enter. Nobody wants that.

Whether you need a new gutter system installed on your home, or you need repairs/maintenance done to your existing gutters, hopefully this brief post has shed some light as to why these silent workhorses are definitely necessary when it comes to keeping your home safe and secure.