Home ownership can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime, however, with it comes increased responsibility. Maintaining and protecting your property from damage is something every individual deals with as they venture into the wide world of real estate ownership. Whether you are purchasing a new starter home, moving to a different location, or have inherited a place all your own, ensuring that you and those with whom you reside are safe is obviously extremely important. Routine maintenance and upkeep plays a large factor in securing a level of protection as you not only work to create a warm and welcoming environment for family and guests but also maintain the investment incentive.
One area of a home that plays a vital role in helping to remain damage free is the gutter system. Yes, this outline of material is often never even given a thought when purchasing a home but it is here where the first battle in defense against potential water damage begins. The gutter not only serves to help water transition off the roof efficiently but it also connects to a downspout in certain areas serving to move all water away from your homes foundation. In fact, there are even different types of rain gutters which can be installed onto your residence that can aid in the overall look of your home. Choosing both the correct design and appropriate material are all considerations homeowners should think about when choosing how to protect their property from potential water damage. While it may not be one of the most exciting aspects of home ownership, knowing that you have a well maintained and functional gutter system can truly help to avoid a disaster down the line.
Purpose
Water pooling around the foundation of your home can steadily seep into the property causing damage and, depending on whats inside, major issues. If you have a finished basement, the water could be catastrophic causing the flooring to be replaced or issues with the electricity of certain rooms where any significant amount of water entered. Depending on the exact amount of water, anything floor level or slightly higher could also be subject to flood damage. Although hard to fathom, the issue may not have anything to do with the structural integrity of your home but the functionality of its gutter system. A correctly installed and properly aligned gutter will help to move this water out and away from the foundation. Designed in a way to coincide with the landscape of your home, gutters keep water moving, not allowing it to either overflow into a puddle from the roofline or back up at the ground level.
Pitch
The pitch and design of your roof will have an impact in determining where and how gutters should be installed. In addition, any eaves, dormer windows, overhangs, etc. should also be taken into consideration in order to avoid having areas which may not need gutter placement, but work with the existing construction design to formulate a plan for optimal water flow. Once established, the track should be examined from all areas of the rooftop to ensure where the best fit for gutters will be located. This then turns into an installation component as the pitch of a gutter should be so slight that it isn’t truly noticeable from the ground level but still able to serve its functional purpose. Depending on the length of your roofline where gutters will be installed, the decision can then be made to either run water in one direction or two, from a midpoint located along the path.
Seamless
Seamless gutters allow the water to flow freely toward a downspout and away from the home without self-inflicted obstruction. Instead of being pieced together bit by bit, seamless gutters are one continuous piece seamed at the corners so as to not restrict water flow. In older models, the joints where smaller individual gutter portions are placed together created an area where water may seep out of the trough or debris could easily become stopped causing a backup.
Downspout
Downspouts are typically located along the corners of a building and serve a vital role in the function of a gutter system. These portions of the overall configuration help to move water effectively off the roof down the ground level and then away from a homes foundation. Not only is it important to ensure that these areas are free and clear of any obstructions but also that they are not damaged to where a restriction in the water flow may be created. Depending on your surrounding landscape, downspouts may also be connected to more piping which continues to transport water either above or underground away from the structure. This aids in helping to eliminate any pooling and keeping your property safe and protected.
Additions
There are many different additions available to homeowners which can help to create a more functional gutter system. These include installing a gutter guard protection system which keeps leaves, debris, twigs, and other material from becoming trapped and creating a clog to a rain barrel that collects water alongside a downspout location for alternate usage.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all gutter or roofing needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing gutter and roof installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or new construction project, if needed, as well as any type of inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your gutters, roof, or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any gutter construction, roofing job, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!