How Gutters Protect Your Home From Water Damage

An inch of rainfall doesn’t sound like much but it can cause serious damage. When an inch of rain falls on an average-sized roof without gutters, it allows 1,900 gallons of water to soak into the ground around your home’s foundation.1 Though often neglected, gutters are one of the most important assets your home has to protect itself from all sorts of water damage.

Gutters collect the rain rolling off your roof and diverts it away from the base of your home. Without gutters, rain can pool near the foundation and eventually cause flooding. Clogged gutters cause similar problems.2

When you don’t have functional gutters, rain can erode the soil around your house. Your home’s foundation is incredibly fragile and protected only by a layer of topsoil. If water is not correctly diverted, it will wash the soil away, leaving your foundation vulnerable.

Many homeowners plant bushes and flowers around the base of their home to enhance its curb appeal. During a torrential downpour, gutters act as a kind of awning and prevents the force of the storm from damaging the plants. Without gutters, a strong storm can destroy your landscaping.3

When installed properly, gutters prevent rotting or rusting on your home’s exterior. However, poor gutter installation only causes more headaches, since any water that clings to the eave shingles will slowly drip behind the gutters. Over time, this water will cause the soffit and fascia to develop wood rot.

If the outside of your home is painted, water damage will show in the form of peeling, bubbling or flaking paint. While it’s almost impossible to prevent all paint damage, having properly installed gutters on your home will help divert excess water and preserve your paint job.

Homes surrounded by trees are more likely to have clogged gutters, which can cause more problems than not having gutters at all. Clogged gutters do not allow for proper water flow, resulting in pools of standing water. This creates a ripe environment for mold to begin growing and creeping into crawlspaces and basements.

Alpine Construction has served homeowners in the Spokane area for more than 30 years. If you’re in need of gutter repair or installation, our highly skilled contractors are happy to help solve your gutter problems. We work with you through each step of the process to ensure you are pleased with the results. Our customers’ happiness is our top priority.

Call 509-448-8099 today or visit us online for your FREE estimate!