Cleaning the gutters is one of the most consistently loathed outdoor chores for homeowners. Clearing out leaves, dirt, debris, and insect nests while standing on a ladder isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but it’s a vitally important task for any homeowner.
Why? Because properly functioning gutters protect the health of your roof, home, and yard.
What Is the Point of Gutters?
Gutters are channels placed on the edges of a roof to catch water as it streams downward. They direct water to the edges of the roof and into downspouts. From there, the water is shunted into a drainage system that moves it away from the structure.
Gutters stop water runoff from intruding under your siding and into your walls, windows, and door frames. They also prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation and in your lawn.
Is It Okay to Not Have Gutters?
Not having gutters can cause damage to your home and yard, necessitating expensive repairs. In homes without gutters, rain falls directly down the slope of the roof and pools around the foundation. This can lead to erosion, cracks, and even shifting.
In homes with a basement or crawlspace, water can intrude and cause flooding. These aren’t the only vulnerable areas of a home: water can seep into walls, leading to wood and drywall damage, water stains, and pest incursions.
Pooling water around your home can also impact your lawn, garden, and shrubbery, causing erosion, dead grass, root rot, and mold growth. It can also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
Do All Roofs Need Gutters?
Most structures benefit from having gutters, but not every home actually needs them. Steeply sloped roofs with large overhangs may be able to shed water away from the home effectively without gutters. Also, home sites that have excellent natural or manmade drainage may not require roof gutters. Homes built on lots with significant downward slopes away from the structure or properties with French drains may be able to manage runoff without a rain gutter system.
Are Gutters Required By Code?
Most residential building codes in the tri-state area don’t explicitly mandate gutters. They do, however, require that homes have adequate drainage and that they properly collect and discharge rainwater. Installing well-maintained gutters is one of the most common ways to fulfill these requirements.
Protecting Your Home from the Elements for Over a Century
The Simpson Roofing Company can assess your home’s drainage to determine if you need gutters. We can also check your current gutter system to ensure it is functioning properly and to repair or replace it if necessary. We are a family-owned company, committed to providing exceptional roofing services in the tri-state area for more than a century. We offer residential roofing, commercial roofing, specialty and custom roofing, and property maintenance. Call (973) 794-3500 or contact us online for additional information or to request a free estimate.
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