Protecting Your Home With An Effective Gutter System

Gutters are more than just a simple fixture at the bottom of the roofline on nearly every home in the Midwest. They are an essential part of protecting your home’s exterior from the rain, and they require upkeep to ensure they continue to do the best job possible into the future.

The gutter system guides the rainwater off the roof and away from the foundation of the home, protecting its structural well-being. But they need to be in good condition and clean from debris to be effective at this function.

It doesn’t matter if the rain falls gently or hard. It builds up as it runs off, and can create a powerful flow. If that flow isn’t managed properly it hits the ground hard, right next to the foundation of your home. This force erodes the soil line next to your home and increases the likelihood of leaks and structural damage to the foundation.

The first thing you want to do is make sure that you have the most effective gutters possible. They serve as the first line of defense to manage the rainwater off your home. Make sure they are the proper size and shape for your home so they can effectively move stormwater and keep it from pooling. You’ll also want to make sure they’re durable enough to withstand the elements. The most common gutter materials include aluminum, copper, and steel.

Gutters are also installed with a slight pitch to keep water moving to the downspouts. The downspouts should be strategically placed in the best areas to move water far away from your home.

When your home is without gutters it’s merely a matter of time before the above scenario leads to damage. Well, if your gutters are clogged, they can’t do their job and that can be as bad as no gutters at all. Let’s say the downspout is clogged. The water in that circumstance has nowhere to go except over the side of the gutter – the very situation you’re trying to prevent.

To avoid these problems, gutters need to be cleaned in the spring and fall to ensure that they’ll work properly. The gutters can be accessed by using a ladder, or you can climb onto the roof to avoid moving the ladder a few feet at a time. A hose will help to clear out any clogs in the downspout and ensure that water can get through. This is especially important in the fall as the trees are losing their leaves and there is more debris.

If your gutter system is showing signs of wear and tear, or it’s not as effective at moving water away from the home as it used to be, it may be time to invest in a new gutter system for your home. The experts at FTC Oury Group can help you find what you need to protect the structure of your home from the effects of water damage. Contact us today to find out more!