Share:

You are likely aware that rain gutters prevent your yard from flooding and the soil around your house from eroding. However, not many homeowners realize that they also reduce the need for siding and roofing services. Below is an introduction to how gutters affect the rest of your home's exterior.

What Homeowners Need to Know About Gutters

Their Role

Gutters protect your siding from stains. Without them, water would run off the roof and course down the side of the house, bringing along dirt, algae, and other contaminants from the rooftop. This results in dingy moisture stains, dark streaks of dirt, and unsightly algae and mold growth. Keeping water away from your siding reduces the chances of interior leaks and water damage.

Gutters also protect your roof. In winter, melting snow from a warm roof often refreezes once it reaches the eaves since these are not warmed by indoor heat. As the water refreezes, ice dams form. Not only does this result in dangerous, dangling icicles, but snowmelt will also continue to gather on the ice ridge that formed.

As the ice dam grows, the accumulation could eventually back up beneath the shingles, damaging the roof decking. A gutter system keeps water moving so it doesn't freeze and transports it to the ground where it won’t cause the need for expensive roofing services.

Common Signs of Problems

Problems with your gutter system could include leakage, overflows, loose troughs, and missing or damaged components. Leaks mean the joints between trough sections are not sealed properly, and this problem will only worsen over time. This could result in puddling, soil erosion, and possible foundation damage.

Roofing services Denver, COOverflows indicate the gutters or downspouts are clogged and the troughs are full. Gutters are not meant to support much weight for long periods, so the hardware may begin to loosen from your house.

Gutter Maintenance

Clean the gutters by hand twice a year to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. Inspect hangers and mounting hardware occasionally and tighten or add supports as necessary.

Consider having a leaf screen installed over the troughs. This lets water pass through into the trough but sends leaves and twigs washing overtop and onto the ground. It also prevents clogs and reduces your maintenance burdens.

 

If you need a reliable provider of gutter installation or roofing services, contact Wimmer Roofing & Exteriors in Denver, CO. They serve clients throughout Adams County and the surrounding areas, specializing in gutters, siding, and replacement windows, as well as roof repair and roof replacement. Learn more about the company on their website, or call (720) 339-7247 to schedule gutter cleaning or roofing service.

tracking