7 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Rain Gutters

Rain gutters serve many important functions that will ultimately benefit your home for years. From keeping your possessions dry to preventing damage to your home, gutters can help save you additional money and maintenance. Learn why investing in rain gutters is a smart choice for any homeowner wanting to keep their home dry, clean, and valuable.

• New Gutters Save Money

Like any home improvement project, deciding to install rain gutters is an investment. However, it can definitely be worth your money as it proves to be a necessary asset on rainy days. Gutters can help you be a proactive homeowner by preventing further issues that would increase costs in the long run. Here are some reasons why investing in rain gutters is a project you shouldn’t pass up.

• Keep People Dry

Obviously, you don’t want to enter or exit your home and get soaked by a waterfall coming from above. Gutters collect rain from your roof and transfer it to the ground without pouring all over the place. Their purpose is to divert the rain away from your roof and onto the ground in a controlled way.

• Avoid Basement Flooding

Without gutters, rain can pool up around your home’s foundation, seep through cracks into basements and cause flooding problems. Gutters direct water away from your home efficiently into drains and lower ground to prevent uncontrollable seepage. This is due to a curved piece attached to the end of the gutter, called a downspout, which dumps water onto a splash block. The splash block rests on the ground, slows down the force of the water pouring out and directs it safely away from your home’s base.

• Create a Neater Look

Water flowing against your home can get sloppy, as it splashes dirt and residue against siding. Over time, this will cause your home’s appearance to look dirty, forcing you to clean up the mess often. It can also make paint chip away, which calls for the eventual repainting of your exterior. Gutters consolidate rain, keeping your home looking like new without extra effort. Keep your gutters themselves looking neat too by learning how to clean them easily.

• Prevent Decay

Your home’s exterior and roof may be lined with tar paper and plywood, which are not completely waterproof. Since siding and shingles are installed in pieces over these materials, they might have gaps and shift over time, so water may eventually sneak under them. As water leaks in, siding and roofs soaked with excessive water can begin to deteriorate and even rot. Materials can eventually break down and crack, causing your home to essentially fall apart over time. Rain gutters funnel the water away from your home, avoiding these problems and keeping your home in tact.

• Guard against Mold

As your home’s exterior gathers too much moisture, mold is likely to grow in unwanted places due to humidity and weak ventilation. As water leaks inside walls, drywall can act as a food source and be a hot spot for mold growth. Mold can be difficult to remove and toxic to your home if not treated correctly. Rain gutters can reduce the rush of water seeping into your home and therefore lower the chance of mold development.

• Eliminate Insects

Mosquitoes, termites and other pests are attracted to damp areas and standing water. Without gutters directing water away from your home, it can become very attractive for bugs. Insects surrounding your home can be unpleasant and annoying. What’s more, they can even start to eat away at your home’s exterior. As the gutters and enclosed downspouts divert water away from the roof and home, you reduce the risk of standing water and increased amounts of pests.

• Protect Landscaping

Pools of water landing on your roof are likely to run off into your yard, damaging landscaping from heavy flows. Furthermore, large amounts of water can erode soil, causing your home’s foundation to weaken. Rain gutters can control the amount of water passed into your yard, which is better for your grass, plants and vegetation. You can redirect water away from your foundation by installing a gutter system that forces water to pass away from, rather than onto your landscaping.

• Aluminum Rain Gutters

There are various types of materials for rain gutters, including aluminum, copper and steel. Aluminum gutters are often considered the best option since they are affordable and functional. This lightweight material is easy to install and can potentially hold more water than other types. Aluminum rain gutters can be custom made in various sizes, can be easily painted to any color and don’t rust. They are said to last for around 20 years, so they are great for long-term need. Consider investing in aluminum rain gutters as the go-to product to keep your home dry.

• Replacing Old Gutters

Old gutters can become leaky and worn out, causing water problems for your home. Watch for signs that indicate that gutter replacement should be your next investment before further damage occurs. These could include cracked, peeling, moldy or bent gutters that don’t look or work right after years of use and exposure to outside elements. It’s a good idea to replace gutters when they are no longer funneling rain away from your home in a neat, efficient way. Make sure to inspect your gutters every so often to check if they are doing their job correctly. Replace old gutters with new, durable ones that protect your home.

While some more advanced DIYers may be comfortable tackling this project, there are plenty of reputable companies that will remove and replace your gutters. Make sure to do your research and hire a pro!

• Cost

You may be wondering what this investment will cost you. Depending on the type of material and the amount needed for the size of your home, prices can range anywhere from $3-$25 per linear foot. It’s ultimately up to you how much you want to spend. Make sure you are buying a quality product that works efficiently, matches your home’s appearance and fits your budget.

• Rain Gutters Are a Worthwhile Investment

Since now you know the benefits of having rain gutters for your home, you should consider making the investment. Stop letting uncontrolled streams of water damage your home and take the step towards installing rain gutters. Gutters are an important feature to keeping your home dry and preventing unnecessary problems. Save money now and invest in rain gutters to make the future rainy days end!