Do You Need Gutters On Your Home?

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of Flickr

If you're thinking about re-roofing your home, knowing exactly what is involved is vital. Often, home owners are unclear about whether or not installing gutters is an essential part of the roofing process, and the answer is typically yes. Gutters are an extension of the roofing system whose primary function is to direct water away from your home, so having gutters makes your home better prepared for any precipitation that may occur. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should have gutters installed:

1. Prevent Water in the Basement: Most water problems in the basement are directly linked with improper water shedding. If the landscape of your location slopes towards your home, then an excessive amount of water can end up right at your home's foundation. This may lead to cracks, leaks, flooding, and moisture, which results in unnecessary water, mold, and mildew damage.

2. Protect Exterior Walls: When water drips off the roof it can splash dirt and moisture on the exterior walls of your home. This could result in staining, rotting, or premature weathering of your homes exterior materials.

3. Prevent Soil Erosion: Properly guiding excess water away from the home and reducing the amount of energy created by falling water helps to prevent the erosion of the foundation. It also helps prevent erosion of any soil surrounding your home.

4. Protect Landscaping: While we know water is important for our grass and gardens, too much water can actually kill shrubs, grass and other plants.

5. Protect Fascia: Gutters with the correct flashing or apron will stop water from running over the lip of the roof and going back up under the roof (or fascia), which could cause damage down the line.

6. Protect Decks and Railings: Deck boards and railings are subject to damage by the drip-line created by a roof that is lacking a properly installed gutter system.

7. Protect Driveways, Concrete Slabs and Walkways: Excessive water falling from the roof can wash out the fill below your driveway, concrete slabs and sidewalks. When this happens, it can cause sinking and cracking.

8. Provide Winter Safety: Melted snow can freeze on your sidewalks and driveways, and the salts or other chemicals used to melt the ice can reduce the lifespan of your concrete or ashpalt. With gutters, the likelihood of this problem can be reduced.

9. Keep You Dry: Drip-lines created by a roof without gutters can create a sheet of water during storms that make it difficult to leave your home without getting wet.

10. Collect Rainwater For Irrigation: Collecting rainwater from the roof for irrigation on lawns and gardens is quickly becoming popular. Having gutters can assist you in this process, and could ultimately lower utility bills for those who use this method.

Now that you know how beneficial having gutters can be, are you ready to take the initiative to better your home? At Phil's Main Roofing, we will repair and install the most effective gutter system for your home or commercial building, ensuring that you're prepared for any potential damaging situations.  

Call us at 203-838-4545 to schedule your FREE estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com today.