Why Do Houses Need Gutters? What Happens If My Gutters Are Clogged?

You may have found yourself wondering if gutters on a home are really necessary and what exactly are they protecting? The truth is gutters can be crucial to protecting your home and extending its health.

Properly installed and working gutters are important in protecting your home from the following:

• Erosion, settling, or cracking to areas surrounding the house, gardens, sidewalks, or driveways.
• Foundation issues.
• Flooding risks underneath the house or within basements.
• Water damage to any exterior doors, garage doors and siding.

Gutters do take some work to maintain. Homeowners should always check to verify that their gutters are properly draining. Improper maintenance to your gutters can cause the following:

• Increase in mosquito breeding from standing water.
• Deterioration of gutters creating an increased risk for leaks and failures.
• Possible water damage to your home's roof, walls, or flooring.

Clogged gutter.

Keeping up with gutter maintenance is fairly simple. 

1. Inspect your gutters for any signs of corrosion, leaks, holes, loose joints, or bent gutter hangers. Promptly repair any issues you find.
2. Clear your gutters of any debris to ensure proper drainage.
3. De-clog the downspouts of any blockage, removing the elbow joint if necessary.
4. Re-adjust the gutter's pitch if necessary. Check the pitch by pouring a bucket of water through and observing the water's flow.
5. Install gutter screens or guards to help in keeping your drains clear of any future clogging issues.