Rain Gutters – One of the Best Investments to Be Made

We understand the necessity of rain gutters once we know the purpose they serve:  To collect and divert rainwater away from a building’s foundation.  

Gutters prevent water from running down the side of a building entering interior walls and seeping into the basement.  Overflowing gutters can also allow water to run over or behind the gutters, damaging the soffit and fascia which could eventually lead to wood rot.  In addition, gutters can help reduce soil erosion as the water flows to a downspout where it runs down to the base of a building and is directed away from the foundation.  It can also be collected for later use. 

How should rain gutters be installed?  Rain gutters should be properly sloped.  Many variables must be considered.  How long to the closest downspout, the number of corners, construction of the roof and the overall effect of appearance on the home.   Downspouts should extend six feet from the basement wall toward the street or backyard (not toward your neighbor’s basement).  The ground surface on which the water feeds should also be sloped away from the house.  This will prevent water from running back toward the foundation or ponding and soaking into the soil near a foundation wall.

 Failure to have gutters installed on a home or having gutters that are not properly installed or damaged can lead to serious problems.  As mentioned previously water can seep through the foundation walls resulting in water in the basement which can create the following issues:

 

  • •        Frequent flooding can result in long-term structural damage to the home and electrical-mechanical systems such as cracks in the basement and/or foundation walls and settling of the home.
  • •        Repeated claims for flooding will cause insurance rates to rise.
  • •        The property’s value may depreciate if a home is prone to flooding.
  • •        Repeated water infiltration can cause floor joists, beams, subflooring and insulation to deteriorate.
  • •        Wet basements are a source of high humidity which can produce surface condensation, mold, mildew and fungi, musty odors and lead to serious health problems, in particular, respiratory infections.

 Little wonder then that rain gutters are considered one of the best investments a homeowner can make and why it’s so necessary to properly maintain them.  In addition to making sure the gutters are intact one must also keep them clean, especially if there are trees in the area, as debris will build up in the gutters causing them to overflow when it rains.  In the spring and fall you may need to check the gutters almost daily.  If leaves are on the ground they’re probably in the gutter too.  How often have you raked your leaves only to turn around and see more on the ground?  It only takes a handful of leaves to collect over a downspout opening to clog and cause the gutters to overflow, so it’s important to make sure the gutters are clean at all times.

 Gutter Cover of Kansas City can inspect your gutters for proper installation and drainage away from your home and install Advantage Gutter Guard®, giving you peace of mind that your gutters are not clogged and running over and causing damage. Advantage Gutter Guard® is a proven product guaranteed to keep gutters clean.  Stay tuned for our next blog to learn more about this innovative, patented gutter protection system, or give us a call at 816-246-7881.