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Roofs: They're Definitely at the Top!

Does Your Home Lack Gutters? Basis Information For New Homeowners To Consider

31 March 2022

Brian Riley

Once the celebration is over and the last box has been unpacked, new homeowners often begin to take a closer look at the house they have just purchased. In addition to becoming more familiar with the layout and features, many find themselves using this period to begin planning future improvements to the home.

If the home lacks gutters, as many newer homes do, many new homeowners find themselves wondering why and whether they should begin making plans to install them. If you are a new homeowner who would like to know more about gutters, gutter guards, or the gutter installation process, here are some basic details you may find helpful. 

Important reasons to consider adding gutters 

Although gutters offer many benefits, many new home builders do not routinely include their installation as part of the home construction process. Instead, homeowners who want their home to have a gutter system typically have them added at some point after the home is completed. While a well-designed and installed gutter system can boost market value and add curb appeal, homeowners should also consider making this type of home improvement for the following reasons: 

• gutters channel precipitation and melting snow or ice away from the foundation to help prevent damage and water infiltration into basements or crawl spaces
• gutters help prevent erosion and protect landscaping around the perimeter of the home
• gutters help to protect siding, window frames, and sills from water damage

Gutters can also protect family members and guests from becoming soaked with any rainwater that may be running off the roof as they are entering or exiting the home in wet weather conditions. 

Understanding gutter guards 

Gutters must be able to channel water freely in order to move it away from the home and provide a full range of benefits for the homeowner and their family. Falling leaves, acorns, pollen, and other materials that commonly settle onto rooftops can be washed into the channel of the gutter and accumulate over time. If not cleaned regularly, these materials will eventually prevent the gutter system from safely moving excess water away from the exterior of the home. 

In situations where it is difficult to clean the gutters frequently, installing gutter guards can be an effective way to help ensure that gutters will continue to work correctly and protect the home. Gutter guards are available in a variety of materials and designs that allow water to drain through including mesh, wire screens, or perforated materials that leaves and other types of debris cannot penetrate. Once professionally installed, gutter guards usually require only infrequent maintenance and inspection to maintain their effectiveness. 

Basic gutter installation 

Gutters are available in a variety of materials, colors, and designs capable of adding beauty and functionality to your home. When making plans for gutter installation, homeowners will need to decide whether they want to invest in a seamless gutter product that can be custom extruded to the length needed or if they prefer sections of guttering with seams that must be securely joined together during the installation process. 

Seamless gutters are often selected because they help avoid leaks that can occur when seams begin to separate from age or the weight of debris or water. If gutter guards are to be omitted from the project, seamless gutters should be considered because their lack of seams can make them less likely for leaves or debris to become lodged and form clogs. Opting to use seamed gutters may, however, provide a wider range of materials to consider, including higher-end options made from copper or steel. 

Gutters can provide many important benefits during the years you own your home and can also make your home more attractive to prospective buyers in the future. Homeowners who would like to get more specific information about residential guttering systems should plan to discuss their situation with a reputable gutter installation contractor in their area. Contact a local service, such as Gutter Shutter SE WI, to learn more.

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