The weather in Pensacola and the surrounding areas can get wild at times, so having a solid gutter system is essential to protect your roof and yourresidence. Think of your home’s gutter as a defense system for your roof and foundation. Learning more about your gutters will help you see what these seemingly simple pieces of vinyl or metal do for the good of your house. It is also a smart idea to learn about the different upgrades, materials, and maintenance associated with gutters to make the best choice for your roof and your entire home.
The Importance of Gutters for Your Roof
Gutters are a roof’s best friend. They maintain the integrity of your roof and can also extend its life span. Excess water is one of the most detrimental things to a roof. It can cause a vast amount of damage that can be time-consuming and costly to repair.
Water can damage your roof and other aspects of your home in a number of ways. Here are a few examples of the detrimental impacts of excess water:
- Drywall damage
- Ceiling and attic discoloration and damage
- Mildew and mold growth
- Structural integrity issues
- Fire hazards and electrical damage
- Ineffective insulation
A good gutter system prevents water from pooling on your roof. This helps to prevent leaks that could impact your home’s interior. It also helps to reduce the risk of structural damage due to water.
Gutters help to keep your attic in better condition. They help to direct water away from your home instead of allowing it to penetrate your roof and walls, contributing to issues like mildew and mold growth.
The fascia on your home is the vertical band on the underside of the roof that you can see when you look up. Gutters keep rainwater from getting to the fascia so that it does not degrade prematurely.
The different entry points of your home often have smaller roof elements that do not have their own gutter system. However, your existing gutters help to direct water away from these areas to preserve their integrity.
Other Benefits of Gutters
While gutters are crucial for the health of your roof, they help your home in other ways, too. One of the most significant benefits of a gutter system is protecting your foundation. Without gutters, it is easier for rainwater to accumulate around your foundation and cause damage over time. In the long run, this could lead to your foundation crumbling and no longer being able to support your house.
Gutters help to protect your landscaping, especially the landscaping close to your home’s foundation. If water is able to pool around your landscaping, it can erode the soil over time. If this happens, it could cause issues with plants drowning or not having enough soil depth for life.
If water flows from your roof without landing in a gutter, the water can eventually stain various parts of your exterior. Since gutters direct water away from the exterior walls, this is not a problem when they are in good working order. Since these stains can be difficult to remove, it is best to avoid them altogether.
Pooling water is a haven for insects and other pests. Since gutters direct water away from your home, this helps to reduce the risk of insects and pests hanging out and causing distress for the people and pets in your home.
Gutter Material Options
The most common material used for gutters is aluminum. Gutters made from aluminum last an average of about 20 years. If you want gutters with a longer life span, you might consider those made from copper. Copper gutters may last up to 50 years! You can also opt for steel gutters, which can last as long as 25 years.
Another material option is vinyl. On average, these last for about 20 years when you care for them properly. Plastic is another choice. Older plastic gutters last approximately 20 years, while some of the newer options have a life span of about 30 years.
Possible Gutter Upgrades
There are certain gutter upgrades that can help improve their level of protection for your roof and home. Increasing the size of your gutters can be a good option in the South since the rains can get quite heavy in our area of the country. By simply going from one that is five inches to six inches, you can increase the capacity by 25%.
Gutter guards can significantly reduce how often you need to clean your gutters. They act as a screen to prevent most dirt and debris from getting into your gutters. These guards can also stop animals and insects from making nests in your gutters.
Don’t forget about your gutter system’s downspouts when considering upgrades. These can clog, and there is always a risk of blockages in the drains. You can use leaf screens to prevent debris from getting into your downspouts and drains so that they remain free from obstructions.
Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
Plan to clean your gutters about once every six months. During this time, make sure to take a look at your total gutter system to look for any issues such as cracks or missing pieces. If you notice any problems like these, contact a professional to perform an inspection and make the necessary repairs.
If you just experienced a significant storm in the area, as we often do in the South, you should inspect your gutters again, even if you did so recently. Look for any structural issues and clean away any debris that might be present.
Since cleaning your own gutters can be dangerous, it is best to call a professional to do the job. It is estimated that 164,000 people each year visit the emergency room due to falling from a ladder. A professional knows how to complete your cleaning job safely and thoroughly.
During the gutter-cleaning process, the professional usually starts by removing the larger debris pieces by hand. They might also snake the downspouts if there are large clogs present. Next, they use a high-powered hose or blower to cut through clogs and remove the smaller bits of dirt and debris. The time it takes to do the job depends on the size of the home and how many gutters are present.
Gutter Installation Professionals in Pensacola
A solid gutter system can help to keep your roof in good condition for a long time. Proper gutter installation is crucial because improperly installed gutters may cause detrimental issues for your roof. At Quality Roofing, we have an A+ rating with the BBB and an Angi Super Service Award. In addition to helping with your gutter needs, we offer extensive roofing services and assistance with storm damage. Whether you need a simple repair or a completely new installation, we will ensure you get exactly what you want.
Contact us at Quality Roofing today for all your gutter and roofing needs in Pensacola or other nearby parts of Florida!
