Whether it is sparse tiny drops or a torrential downpour, all that rainwater must go somewhere when it hits the roof of your Wisconsin home. And when the snow melts after a winter storm, the slow drip of water from your roof can last a long time. Some homes have gutters along the bottom edge of the roof to whisk the water away, while other homes allow the water to fall freely around the sides of the house. So which approach is better? Let’s talk about the benefits and maintenance needs of gutters on your home.
The Function of Gutters
A gutter is a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater to a drainage location. Gutters catch rainwater as it flows off the roof and then channel it like a river to a vertical downspout. From there the downspout extends out from the walls of the house to carry water away from the foundation. Some downspouts may empty into an underground sewer system, empty somewhere in your lawn, or flow to a subdivision’s planned drainage system. If your land is sloped and near streams, the drainage system could be directed along the earth’s natural flow of water across the land.
Gutters are typically constructed from seamless aluminum that is both strong and lightweight. They can be painted to match the home. But this simple home accessory that often goes unnoticed is more important than you might realize. While they can add a nice decorative element to your home, their purpose is highly functional.
Benefits of Gutters on the House
Gutters have several benefits to the home. Without gutters, large amounts of water flow from the roof directly off the sides of the house and dig trenches into the ground. If you have flower beds in these areas, plants can be drowned, and flowers crushed. Gutters can prevent masses of water from destroying your plants.
A bigger issue that arises when a house does not have gutters is water accumulating alongside the house. Over time, too much water can rot fascia, siding, and trim, erode the soil, and even damage the foundation of the house. Gutters direct rainwater away from your siding and foundation, preventing mold, mildew, and water damage. Without gutters, water can potentially flood your basement and cause extensive damage, especially if you have a finished basement.
Gutter Maintenance
Like any home accessory or feature, gutters can require some maintenance and occasional repair. Because gutters are open and collect run-off from the roof, they also accumulate debris such as leaves, branches, pine needles, and damaged shingles. Small animals trekking across the roof such as squirrels or birds may damage part of a gutter, or even build a nest inside. These issues cause water clogs and prevent water from flowing to the downspouts. But routine cleaning and repair of damaged sections will keep the gutters working properly. You could also consider investing in a guard system that prevents debris from getting into the gutters.
During winter in Wisconsin, ice dams can form on the roof and pull a gutter off due to the weight of the ice. When the snow melts on the roof of a heated home but then the water is trapped in the eaves and freezes again, ice builds up and forms an ice dam. However, routine maintenance of your attic’s ventilation and insulation can help you avoid this issue.
Build Your Home with Turnkey Homes, LLC
We hope you found this information about the benefits of gutters useful. Turnkey Homes, LLC is an experienced home builder in Wisconsin and is ready to talk with you about building your next home or remodeling the house you currently own. Review our portfolio and then give us a call to schedule a meeting. Building custom homes and spec homes is our focus, as well as remodeling. Whether you are looking to build a new Wisconsin home or remodel the one you own, Turnkey Homes can help.
Turnkey Homes, LLC
(920) 470-4315
turnkeyhomesllc.com
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