Have you ever wondered what rain gutters are and what they do? Rain gutters, also known as downspouts, direct water away from the foundation of your home by channeling it to a safe location. They can be made out of metal, plastic, or vinyl, depending on the material used for construction. Rain gutters serve an important purpose in your home. They collect water from the roof and then channel it away from where you live so that it doesn’t damage your house. Here are five reasons why rain gutters should be upgraded:
Prevent Damage
One-way rain gutters help protect your property by preventing damage caused by too much snow melting off the roof onto the ground around your house. This prevents ice dams which would lead to the frozen ground around the foundation of your house. They avoid problems of foundation by directing water away from walls, flooring, doors, windows, and other parts of your house.
Prevent Mold
Properly functioning gutters prevent mold by preventing excess water from collecting on the roof and dripping down. They also help to control leaks that may develop in your house’s foundation or basement because of too much water seeping through cracks. Mold not only can cause an unpleasant odor, but it is also a health risk for those who live in the home.
Water Flow
Gutters help to regulate the flow of water. When rain gutters are clogged, they may not be able to move all the water coming off your roof quickly enough, which then can lead to any number of problems for you and your home.
Cleaner Rain Gutter
One-way gutter guards will catch leaves or other debris before they can get to the gutters and clog them. This will help to ensure that your gutters are clear and working correctly.
Cleaner House
Having a rain gutter that is not functioning properly means more water will end up in your home, which leads to extra work for you when it comes time to clean up because all of this excess water has ended up inside your house instead of outside.
Bonus: Increase curb appeal – A newly upgraded rain gutter will increase the value of your home by $500-$1000.
Gutter Installation
It usually costs around $800 to install new gutters. The cost of replacing old, damaged rain gutters is even higher. It may range from a few hundred dollars up to the thousands if you need to remove significant amounts of siding or roofing materials.
To install a gutter, first, you should measure the length and width of your home to determine what size rain gutters you need. Then it’s time to purchase new gutter material, which can be done at any hardware store. Installation is easy if you have a helper or two who are willing to hold pieces in place for you while you hammer them together with nails. After that, you need to install the downspouts that will carry away water from your roof. It is best that gutter installation must be done by a professional to ensure the quality and safety of the job.
Rain Gutter Maintenance
Maintaining your rain gutters is a relatively easy thing to do and will keep them from breaking down before their time, which saves you money on repairs or replacement. Rain gutters can be made out of metal, plastic, or vinyl, depending on the materials used for construction. Here are few tips on how to maintain your gutters and make them last longer:
1) Inspect your downspouts for any clogs. Remove any debris so that the water can flow away from your house to a safe location.
2) Check for holes or damaged parts in order to prevent leaks and blockages during heavy rainstorms.
3) Replace downspouts if they are corroded, too short, or have cuts near them which could cause big problems with leaks and blockages.
4) If you notice that the number of leaves and other debris collecting in your rain gutters is more remarkable than usual, consider using a gutter guard to stop these things from getting into your downspouts.
5) Clean out clogs with a garden hose or broom every month so they can continue working properly. If this doesn’t work, then call a professional to have them removed.
6) Consider installing downspout extensions to help clear clogs or debris from your gutters.
If you’re living in a home with an older roof, it’s time to start thinking about rain gutters. These are important for protection and to keep your home in good condition. It is a great way to start thinking about what you may need to do now that this time has come. If you’re not sure what type of gutters might work best, talk with an expert who can help guide you through all of the choices that are available for you and your home.
