Every home owner understands how important it is to have a good drainage system. But there are cases when gutters may not be needed specifically for your building. Do you need to be a specialist to know if you need gutters around the whole house? To do this, we have prepared a full-fledged article to make it easier for you to understand this.
What Determines Whether Gutters Are Needed Around the House?
There are certain factors that help determine whether your home needs gutters around it. These factors are determined by experts and, based on the answers to these questions, they decide whether to establish this. The slope of your roof and the weather in your area can be deciding factors. This is also where you can consider aspects of your landscaping design.
Factors to Consider
- Your roof has steep slopes: If gutters fail to collect water, it will accumulate near the foundation of your home. If the roof of the house is flat, then the drainage system will not be effective because the water will not be directed to the drain pipe.
- A building has no roof overhang: The roof can end where the house ends. Here you definitely need gutters to prevent water from flowing into the foundation. If the roof overhang is further away from the house, water may drain onto the landscape or pool on the lawn.
- There is heavy rain in your region: Everything is very simple here; if you live in a dry area, then you do not need a drainage system and gutters. If it rains often, then such a system is necessary.
- The landscape may slope away from the house: That is, your house may be on a hill and water will flow down from the foundation of the house. The slope will help prevent flooding and save you from other problems associated with the accumulation of water in one place.
Considering these factors, it is up to you to decide whether to install gutters or not. But you must understand that a seamless or with seams drainage system is a good investment that can save you from many problems in the future. And it can be quite an expensive repair. If you decide to make the gutter installation, it is better to place them behind the roof eaves. To ensure the most effective water collection results, it is better to place gutters on all sides of the house.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Install Gutters?
The main danger is the flow of rainwater onto your home foundation, which will lead to wear and tear of the materials over time. Water will flow from the roof throughout the house, which can lead to dampness and mold, as well as flooding. If you have the ability to drain rainwater, it is better to do so. The cost of such installation can vary, it is important to find reliable services and experts. You can do the placement yourself if you are not afraid of heights and you have the necessary tools and materials.
Benefits of Drainage System Installation
- Protecting your foundation from flooding and water damage.
- Protecting the walls from mold or mildew.
- Saving yourself from possible expensive repairs.
- If the gutter installation is correct, such a system can last about 20 years. Of course, this depends on size, the material and climate in your area.
Disadvantages of Drainage System Installation
The main disadvantage is regular maintenance. The reason is to clear the drainpipes of accumulated debris. In some cases, you will need to remove mold or mildew growth. Experts recommend carrying out the gutter cleaning procedure in late spring or autumn. During this period, a lot of debris usually accumulates: leaves, animal nests, pine needles, or even acorns and pollen. A high-quality system does not have an affordable price; be prepared for certain expenses.
If you already have such a water drainage system installed, then inspect all its channels to make sure that there is no deformation on them and they do not sag. A damaged system can cause serious problems and disrupt your budget plans.
