Gutters are an essential component of your home exterior for one primary reason: they channel water away from the base of the house. Moving water outward prevents it from puddling around the foundation or basement. Gutters also prevent erosion due to moisture buildup. They are instrumental in preserving your landscaping and keeping the area around your house looking good all year long.
Regardless of what type of roofing system you have, there is a gutter that matches your design, construction, and roofing material. A gutter installation company in Florida can help you choose the right gutters for your home and provide professional gutter maintenance throughout the year. If you have any further questions about gutters, feel free to contact Quality Roofing.
Understanding the Role of Gutters on Your Roof
Your roof collects an average of 1,120 gallons/inch of water every time it rains. The average rainfall in Florida is 54 inches. That equates to 60,480 gallons of water that run off your roof annually. Where does all that water go? While some of it drains quickly into the sandy soil, the rest collects around the base of your house if it falls directly from your roof. This leads to flooding, mold, and structural damage.
Gutters channel all 60 thousand gallons away from the base of your house and feed it into designated areas around your yard. A gutter system prevents flooding around the house. This can save you thousands of dollars in landscaping, yard maintenance, and structural maintenance. The right gutters can last several years, providing protection and keeping your home’s market value intact.
Types of Gutter Designs
Although all gutters perform the same function, not all gutter systems are alike. Manufacturers design gutters using various materials, layouts, shapes, and sizes. Some of the most common gutter designs include:
- Half-round gutters
- K-style gutters
- Custom-built fascia gutters
- Sectioned (seamed) gutters
- Seamless gutters
You can purchase gutters made of different materials such as aluminum, vinyl, zinc, steel, and copper. Regardless of what type of gutters you purchase, make sure that you choose long-lasting, high-quality gutters with a good warranty. Make sure that you hire a licensed professional to perform a gutter installation instead of attempting a DIY. You will love the results.
What You Need to Know About Gutter Maintenance
Gutter maintenance often includes inspecting the gutters for structural damage, identifying leaks, and replacing any damaged gutters, if necessary. However, the primary purpose of professional gutter maintenance is to clean out the gutters and prevent clogged channels that cause water to spill over.
There are several reasons why cleaning your gutters is important. Cleaning gutters will:
Prevent Water Damage
When gutters and downspouts are blocked with leaves and debris, rainwater may not drain properly. As water overflows from gutters, it can cause water damage to both the interior and exterior of your home.
Protect Your Roof
Clogged gutters give rainwater nowhere to flow. When water continues to flood, it can leave a rotten or a leaky roof due to excessive moisture and puddles.
Keep Pests Out
Gutters clogged with leaves can make desirable homes for rodents, birds, and insects. The last thing you want is a pest infestation in your home!
Protect Your Home’s Foundation
When water is blocked from traveling away from your home, it can pool around the foundation of your house. This water can crack your foundation when it expands and freezes in the winter months.
Save You Money
Gutter and downspout cleaning can help prevent unexpected and expensive projects down the road. Taking preventive measures can minimize repair or maintenance costs, saving you more money in the long run.
Gutters Are an Essential Element in Professional Roof Maintenance
It is common to view your roof and your gutters as separate and distinct systems. While it is true that they ultimately perform two different functions, both systems work in conjunction and complete the overall design of your roof. For this reason, roofing contractors include gutter cleaning and maintenance in their roof maintenance checklist.
The location, appearance, and building type influence the design of your roof’s drainage system. These factors determine the slope, roof area, and areas of rainfall intensity. They will determine the location of scuppers, roof drains, downspouts, and gutters. If your gutters are damaged or clogged, it can affect the appearance and performance of your entire roofing system.
Professional Gutter Maintenance in Florida
Do you need professional gutter maintenance or installation? If so, contact Quality Roofing. We offer comprehensive gutter maintenance all year long. Call (850) 753-0041 to get a free estimate and schedule service today. We are your premier roofing contractor in Florida.
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