Importance of Gutters and Downspouts

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Gutters and downspout installed

Many homeowners are not aware of the importance of having gutters and downspouts installed.  They help direct rainwater away from your home preventing flooding.  If gutters and downspouts are not installed problems will start to arise over time causing your home to show signs of damage.  If your home has a basement you are more likely to experience a flooded home during heavy rainstorms.  Gutters can prevent your home from flooding.

It is not only essential to keep your home from flooding but keeping your foundation in tack. Without a gutter system, water falls from the roof and rests against the house instead of being directed away from it.   Over time this can cause cracks and water to pool in them.  During the winter months the water will freeze and cause more cracking.  This caused your foundation to become unstable allowing water to enter your home.

Pooling water around your foundation not only causes erosion but a breeding spot for insects.  It can cause the siding on your home to fade or become stained.  The soil around your home protects the foundation. If it is eroded over time, your foundation will have a greater chance of being damaged. Putting up rain gutters is a way of protecting the soil around your home against erosion and insects.

With gutters there comes maintenance as well.  It is recommended to clean them out twice a year.  Clogged gutters can cause water leaks on the inside of your home. Trapped water can rot the wooden fascia boards your gutters are mounted to, letting moisture enter your home and causing a breeding ground for mold.  Installing gutters and a downspout with proper maintenance can save a homeowner in expenses and damage to their home.  Keeping the water away from your home will result in a strong structure and foundation for it to stand on. 

Flooding does happen and homes become water damaged due to things beyond our control. Your local SERVPRO of the Quad Cities is available for your emergency water mitigation needs.  We are available 24/7 and faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO is a Preferred Vendor for many National and Local Insurance Companies.