The Importance of Gutters and Downspouts

When moving into or remodeling a home, you might come to a point in which you ask yourself whether or not gutters and downspouts are necessary. Many homeowners wrestle with the idea of installing a gutter and downspout system since it is an expensive investment and clogged gutters can cause a serious amount of costly damages. But this perspective is a risky one to have, and choosing to forgo gutter and downspout installation for the sake of saving money is not a wise nor lucrative decision.

Continue reading to learn 3 important reasons why your home requires a quality gutter and downspout system.

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Problems Associated With Gutters and Downspouts

Before discussing the reasons why gutters and downspouts are so important, let’s first address a common misunderstanding that can cost you in the long run. It is wrongly believed by many home and property owners that gutter systems are a risk because they can become clogged and cause costly damage; so, as a result, they forgo them in hopes to prevent flooding and foundation issues. But forgoing a gutter system is the real risk! You need gutters and downspouts whether you are a residential or commercial property owner.

Without a gutter and downspout system, rainwater and melted snow will run over the sides of your home, rather than through a directed, enclosed system. As a result, it would cause massive water pooling issues every time it rains. Even a light rain shower would pose water accumulation risks, and overtime, such pooling will lead to costly structural foundation problems. Many people misinterpret gutters as a risk, but they only cause this issue when they become clogged, which can be easily prevented with a little routine maintenance.

Why You Need a Quality Gutter System

Soil Erosion Prevention. When homes are built to code, they are built on a slight slope so that water runoff is directed away from the home’s foundation. Without gutters and downspouts, water flow is not guided properly, and the soil supporting the foundation of the property will massively erode overtime. After a while, water run-off will flow towards the home rather than away. This causes the foundation to settle, and you can even experience uneven or buckling floors, cracked ceilings, and wall cracks, inside the home.

Basement Flood Prevention. Water has weight, and when soil becomes saturated with water, it is naturally heavier. Without gutters and downspouts, water accumulation weighs down the soil and adds excessive pressure on the foundation. Over time, basement walls will begin to push forward, warp, and crack. It can also lead to mold and mildew damage.

Siding Protection. Unguided water flow will carry dirt, sediment, and debris with it wherever it goes. As it runs down your siding, it will leave behind stains, and eventually cause it to rot away. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only is this detrimental to your home’s curb appeal, but it also negatively impacts your home’s overall value since siding rot can jeopardize its structural integrity.

Advice to Walk Away With

Talk to a licensed general contractor about repairing or installing a gutter downspout system on your home. They have the knowledge and resources to provide professional assessments and solutions for water runoff , siding repairs, basement renovations, foundation repairs, and more.

Are you looking for qualified basement remodeling or siding contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana? Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for the most competitive general contractor rates around!

You Should Also Take a Look at:

Tips for Proper Gutter Maintenance
How to Assess the Cost of a Basement Remodel
Tips for Home Siding Maintenance