Gutters are designed to prevent ceiling damage caused by water or moisture. Irrespective of your roofing style, you may be wondering if these troughs are necessary. Surely rainwater just rolls off the roof? Doesn’t moisture eventually evaporate? The answer: yes and no.

Without a proper drainage system in place, rainwater will run off your roof, but it will also collect on the ground. This will affect your grass, surrounding paving, and the overall foundation of your home. Diverting water away from your house will then prevent this from happening, and will help stop condensation and dampness from forming.

Gutter Importance

So, by now we know the main purpose of a gutter is to redirect water away from the roof, preferably into a drain. While the benefit of such seems obvious, it’s important to understand the extent of potential damage and the necessity of gutter installation. This includes:

  • Staining of exterior walls
  • Loose plaster on walls
  • Basement flooding
  • Damaged foundation
  • Cracked ceiling
  • Mould formation

Types of Gutters

While each type of gutter is designed with the same goal in mind, they do differ in effectiveness. In fact, often where there are joins or bends, the guttering systems will leak. This is where seamless gutters prove their worth. They’re easy to install, require little maintenance, have a longer lifespan, reduce the amount of debris buildup, and come in a variety of colours.

One such example is aluminum gutters. Besides preventing leaks thanks to their seamless properties and having internal brackets, they’re also known for their aesthetic appeal and for being less susceptible to rust. Galvanised or, zinc gutters are another great option however they are more susceptible rust.

Gutter Maintenance

Gutters may be in charge of preventing damage but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a little TLC. Maintenance is key if they’re to do their job properly. Accumulated dirt and debris are problems that need attention all year round, especially during heavy rainfall season.

Blocked gutters lead to water accumulation, rust, and can compromise your seams. It’s important, then, to clean them out regularly. All you’ll need is a ladder, some heavy-duty work gloves, a garden trowel, and a bucket and you can tackle the job yourself.

An effective way to keep leaves and other sources of debris out of your gutters is with gutter guards. Essentially, pieces of hardware that cover your gutters – they allow water in but keep debris out. A quality sealant then proves effective for maintaining a gutter system’s integrity. It will encourage better drainage, reduce blockage, and will prevent rust.

Trust the Experts

Whether gutter installation, gutter repair, or gutter maintenance – the company you choose will determine the quality of the job. Professionals will not only get the job done right but will advise you on an option that best suits your home and individual needs.

Universal Roofing has been installing seamless guttering for many years and our gutter teams are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and efficient. Looking for a quotation? Contact us and one of our consultants will arrange a convenient date and time for a representative to meet you on-site for a free inspection. See you soon!