If the gutters around your roof’s edge start to sag, leak, or rust, you might begin to wonder how essential they are. While it might seem like a minor accessory, your gutter system is crucial to the structural integrity of your home and the health of the surrounding landscape. Below, you’ll learn why replacing the drainage system is worth the investment. 

How Do Gutter Systems Work?

Your gutters are connected to the edges of your roof. When it rains or snows, the gutters catch precipitation directly from the sky, as well as the water that flows down the slopes of your roof. Since open pipes are installed at a slight slope, the water doesn’t stay put—it flows down the passageways toward the downspouts. While gutters have open tops, downspouts are closed until they reach the ground. Once the water trickles to the base of the downspout, it is fed through a channel leading away from your home’s foundation.

What Happens If They Leak or Malfunction?

If your gutters get clogged with debris, such as leaves, twigs, or nests, the water that flows off your roof will pool inside them. The stagnant water will attract pests like mosquitoes, which breed in still water. If they fill up high enough, clogged gutters may spill water back onto the roof, drenching it until a leak develops.

If there is a hole in your gutters, or if they are sagging away from the roof, water will fall out of them, down to the base of your property. As the soil around your home becomes waterlogged, it could cause the foundation to shift out of place, or even crack, compromising the structural integrity of your home. The pooling water around your home’s exterior could also drown bushes and flowers planted there. If you don’t opt for a gutter replacement, the moisture will eventually find its way into your basement, resulting in flooding and mold growth.

If you can now grasp the value of a functioning gutter system and want to avoid the consequences above, get in touch with D&G Roofing & Restoration of Dayton, OH. With over 30 years of combined experience, their team has the skills to replace your home’s drainage system and restore safety to your property. In addition to gutters, they also work with siding and roofing. For more information on their offerings, visit the website, and call (937) 439-0554 to schedule a complimentary inspection.