Why Gutters Are Important and How To Keep Them Safe

Your home is designed to withstand the elements and provide a safe living area for you and your family for many generations to come. Many modern roofs are designed to last for decades and with proper care can last for quite a long time. However, the weather presents several hazards that can damage your roof and by extension your home. The most common causes of roof damage include hail, wind, and heavy rain. Rain can be a danger despite not being as loud as hail or high wind. Your home’s gutters are an important part of protecting from the damage water can cause to your roof, and you should protect them by using gutter guards.

Why Gutters Matter

Your home’s gutters serve an important role in protecting your roof and your home’s exterior from water damage. This is because gutters remove water from your roof which prevents collecting in various crevices and prevents collecting in areas where it shouldn’t. Gutters pull water away from your roof which can prevent damage and stop potential leaks and expensive repairs. They also keep water from other areas of your home. Gutters make use of a downspout to guide rainwater away from your home. This helps prevent it from damaging the sides of your home, damaging the foundation, getting into the basement, getting into crawlspaces, and preventing pooling around your home which can lead to mold and other issues.

Animals and Other Hazards

The weather isn’t your only safety concern as it relates to your home’s gutters. Pest animals can easily get into your gutters causing damage to not just the gutters but also your home. Common pests animals include birds, various types of insects, snakes, and raccoons. These infestations can prevent your gutters from being able to drain properly and can also lead to damage. There are other considerations, raccoons for example can use your gutters as a starting point for exploring other areas of your home and can easily end up in your attic which is a common problem for homeowners. When animals start infesting your home’s interior they can cause extensive damage and possibly spread disease. If you have trees on your property falling leaves and branches can clog or damage your gutters which can impact draining and lead to other types of water damage.

How Gutter Guards Help

One of the best ways to keep your gutters sage is to install gutter guards. Gutter guards fit neatly on top of your gutters preventing access from pests and protecting from environmental hazards. When covered birds can’t nest in your gutters, infestations are far less likely to occur, and other animals cannot get into your gutter system for the purposes of exploration. Also, gutters prevent clogs by blocking leaves and branches from collecting in your gutters as they fall. When installed gutter guards do not prevent water from entering your gutters, so any draining needs will be met and your gutters will continue to function as they did before.

Final Thoughts

Your home’s gutters are an easy to overlook but important part of your home’s upkeep. Water drainage is critical for your home’s safety and if your gutters are not functioning properly you run the risk of the expensive roof and interior repairs. When water starts leaking into a home it can do considerable damage to wooden structures, the framework, the interior, walls, ceiling, and more. Water damage if left unchecked can lead to a home being gutted and the growth of mold and other pollutants can negatively impact your health. Gutter guards protect your gutters, help keep water moving, and can protect your home from expensive and unneeded repairs.