It's generally not advisable to go without gutters. Without them, storm water can cause significant damage to your home's foundation, siding, and landscaping. Gutters help direct water away from your home, protecting your property and saving you from costly repairs in the long run.
Gutters, as long as they're well-maintained, provide insurance against future roof and moisture issues. In other words, they are more likely to help than to harm. In most areas, gutters are necessary, because of the amount of rainfall.
Gutters are Susceptible to Warping
Since gutters are made from aluminum and steel, they can expand or contract. This depends on debris build-up or the intensity of the weather. If they expand too much, the gutter system will start pulling away and distort the side of your home.
Gutters do not necessarily add to the value of your home. If you spend $2,000 on gutters, your home's appraisal value probably won't increase by $2,000. That doesn't mean they're a bad investment though. In fact, they could be one of the best investments you make for your home.
Rain gutters serve many important functions that will ultimately benefit your home for years. From keeping your possessions dry to preventing damage to your home, gutters can help save you additional money and maintenance.
An appraiser will look to ensure that gutters are present and in good condition, and directing water away from the foundation of the house.
Unfortunately, a house without gutters is more vulnerable to foundation damage when compared to properties that have seamless gutter systems. When water is not diverted away from your home, it causes soil erosion to the surrounding areas, which alters the foundation. Repairs are incredibly expensive and difficult.
When a house doesn't have a gutter, any of these factors could come into play: The house is located in a dry area with an arid climate. With less rain to deal with throughout the year, the house collects less damage as time goes by, and it is easier to protect the foundations from dampness.
The average life span of gutters is around 20 years, but depending on the gutter material and whether you go seamless, they can last as long as 100 years. Read on to learn about the life span of various gutter types and how to help them last for years to come.
Plastic guttering famously needs to be replaced quite frequently, especially after a heavy storm -where they usually suffer physical damage. Aluminium, on the other hand, is not only lightweight but incredibly durable; it often stands the test of time for years without any need for maintenance.
Drip Path
Looking to replace the traditional gutter system at your place? Enter the concept of a drip path. Drip paths, simply put, are a smart method that directs rainwater away from the foundation of your home without using gutters. It's essentially a narrow strip filled with gravel or rock bordering your home.
Gutter guards, especially when professionally installed gutter guards, provide numerous benefits, making them a valuable investment for homeowners. They: Reduce the frequency of cleaning. Lower the risk of gutter overflow.
If they have an in-house gutter division, most roofers also offer gutter installation services with or without a roof replacement. On the other hand, companies that subcontract their work may only install gutters when replacing your roof.
Gutters do not add much to the value of a home. However, gutters (and gutter guards) are an attractive feature to buyers in areas that receive rain because they offer a lot of benefits.
More specifically, the model codes do not contain any minimum requirements for the durability of such items as doors, windows, gutters and downspouts, painting and wall coverings, kitchen cabinets and carpeting.
Sloped Yards - Homes built on slopes or with properly graded yards can naturally direct water away from the foundation, making gutters less critical. Drainage Systems - Incorporating drainage systems like French drains can efficiently manage water without the need for traditional gutters.
But why are gutters important? They are more crucial to your home than you may realize. While drainpipes can add an aesthetic appeal to your home, they're mainly to help divert rainwater away from your house. This helps prevent mold, water buildup, and potential other damage around your home's foundation.
Although they can help prevent water damage, they are also prone to clogging. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can easily build up in your gutters, which can cause them to overflow and/or to break entirely.