Most people think of gutters as a way to go into and out of their home or business and not have rain water running off the roof down on their head. If this was the only purpose of gutters, you really wouldn’t need to have them located anywhere else except at doorways. However, there is far more to this sometimes-frustrating part of your property than you might realize.
While it is a bit of a pain in the neck to keep up with the maintenance involved with gutters and downspouts, it is well worth it considering the problems you will likely incur if you were to decide to forgo having them. Water is an incredible force; just look at what the Colorado River did by creating the Grand Canyon! Just an inch of rain on a typical 2,000-square-foot home yields a whopping 1,200 gallons of rainwater. Just imagine what damage that much water can do if it is not properly diverted through gutters and downspouts.
First of all, that much water falling directly down around your property can put incredible pressure against the foundation, resulting in seepage into your basement, crawlspace, or even into the property itself. You can also experience damage to your property’s siding. In addition, it is far easier for the runoff to seep back up into your roof via the soffits and eaves, causing water damage in your attic, exterior walls and even the interior walls. This leads to mold, wood rot, and all the problems these issues can cause. In the winter months, any water that makes it in can also freeze, and that means an expansion that can do quite a bit of structural damage.
It is not enough to have gutters and downspouts on your property. It is also important to make sure they are in good condition, have the correct pitch off the roof, and slope appropriately so the water moves quickly away from your home. If you have questions about gutters or would like a quote for installation or repairs, contact us at Midian Roofing. Our 20+ years of experience in the roofing industry assures you of a professional and quality result that will protect your home and keep the rain off your head.