closeup of gutter

What You Need to Know About A Gutter System

Jan 23, 2023 | Education

Gutters are often the most ignored part of the house on any homeowner’s maintenance list. They are often simple in design and easy to go unnoticed and function to carry water from the roof to the ground. The purpose is to protect the house from water damage. Having a gutter system is important to your home to ensure it can protect your home from water. 

Jets of rain drain into the drainage system on the roof of the house.

How Do Gutters Work? 

The main purpose of gutters is to collect rainwater from the roof of your house and channel it to the ground through a downspout. When it rains water rolls down from the slope of the roof to the gutters. As the water pools, it travels through the gutter system to the downspout. The downspouts typically carry water from the gutters to the base of the house where it is diverted to protect the basement and foundation from flooding and water damage occurring. Usually, there is a splash block at the base of the downspout to further divert the rainwater from the house. 

Why Are Gutters Important?

Rain gutters protect your home from rain and water damage so they are incredibly important. Without a gutter system, rainwater would likely collect on your roof. This would cause rot, deterioration, and/or mold. This damage will weaken your shingles and the integrity of your roof. 

Gravity would naturally pull the water down from your roof to your windows, siding, and foundation causing water damage. Moisture in windows causes condensation that will damage the sill and interior walls. Mold and grime can build up. The water will pool at the house’s foundation and cause erosion that will weaken the integrity and structure of your home. Gutters protect against all of this. 

Over time gutters can weaken if they are not being taken care of. Leaves and other debris easily block gutters from working properly. Once debris builds up, water will overflow the gutters and damage the siding of the house. The Lowcountry is prone to heavy storms and high winds that can misalign your gutter system. Weaken gutters can cause them to break entirely. 

Are you in need of immediate help with your gutter system? The team at Southline Roofing is here to help. Contact us today!

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