For many homeowners, the gutters are just an accessory, an optional part that doesn’t do much. In truth, the gutters play a key role in managing the rainwater your home receives. Without the gutters, the roof will encounter leaks, the exterior walls will get damaged and the foundation will deteriorate faster.
In this post, Hinkle Roofing shares how the gutters affect the longevity of the roof and the ways you can protect both at the same time.
Gutters and Standing Water
Standing water is dangerous to the roof. While it’s more common in flat roofs, standing water can also occur in pitched systems. The longer there is standing water on the shingles, the more likely it can form a leak and eventually find its way into the underlayment and attic.
The gutters protect the roof from standing water by channeling it from the surface and into the drainage. Without the gutters, the roof will deteriorate faster as it’s subject to more leaks.
Gutters Prevent Exterior Damage
Without the gutters to properly redirect water, rainwater coming from the roof will eventually run across the surface of the exterior walls. While many siding systems, such as vinyl siding, can withstand water exposure, the leaks often find its way under the siding itself. This won’t damage the siding outright, but it will hasten the component’s structural deterioration.
Protecting the Roof and Gutters
To ensure that the gutters are properly protecting the roof and the exterior, it must stay in good condition throughout the year. The simplest way to do this is by cleaning the gutters, getting rid of clogs and blockages and patching up cracks and holes that need repair.
Hinkle Roofing has decades of experience working on gutters. We can spot signs of trouble and make recommendations regarding repair, replacement or gutter guard installation. We also offer complete roofing services and are always ready to offer homeowners with high-quality replacement windows. Call us today at (205) 352-1940 to learn more. We install gutters and offer roofing services throughout Alabama, particularly in Tuscaloosa, AL.