How Gutters and Downspouts Prevent Water Damage

Your roofing, siding, gutters, windows, doors and other components of your home’s exterior are exposed to the elements 24/7. Heat and water are the leading culprits when these components develop any damage. That’s why they are designed to repel or reflect heat and to shed water as quickly and efficiently as possible.

How Gutters and Downspouts Prevent Water Damage

As a matter of fact, gutters are designed for the purpose of directing water away from your home. Whether it’s rainwater, melted snow or perhaps the occasional roof cleaning with a hose or power washer, gutters and downspouts have the unenviable task of ensuring the water clears your home as soon as possible.

Where Does the Water Go?

During a rain event or when the snow melts, the water that falls on your roof should fall into gutters. Without gutters, the water will simply fall off the roof’s edges. The ground and any plant life under the edges of the roof will be affected. The rest of your home will be affected, as well.  Roofing companies often remind homeowners to watch out not only for roof leaks but for gutter leaks, as well.

Gutters direct the water to the downspouts, which then drain the water away from your home. Short gutters should be fitted with gutter extensions to make sure they drain water as far away from your home as possible. 

Water from downspouts then ends up in the street gutters, which then lead it down the storm drains in the street. The water falls beneath the street and ends up in the area’s sewer system.

What If Gutters and Downspouts Fail?

Gutters and downspouts may fail sometimes. The most common issue is clogging. If debris gets stuck in your gutters or downspouts, it will prevent water from draining properly, forcing the water to overflow. 

Downspouts that are too short are practically useless in keeping water away from your home. The same is true if the gutters are broken, rusted, leaking, pulling away from your roofline or simply missing.

Water that accumulates near your home may cause flooding. Your basement might be the first part of your home that gets affected. Water damage is serious. It can compromise the stability of your home’s foundations. It can also cause damage and mold and mildew infestation in different areas of your house.

To prevent problems like this, it’s best to call a professional to install new gutters. Get in touch with Kroll Construction. We also licensed roofing contractors. Call us today at (734) 999-1022 or submit a service form. We are ready to help you in Michigan.

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