There's nothing worse than going out after a rainy day only to find out that your boots are full of water. The last thing you want is for your feet to be wet and cold all day long.
Rain gutters are unsung heroes of the home, performing an essential task without drawing much attention. They direct rainwater away from your home, but unless you have to repair one, it's unlikely that you'll notice them.
If you're living in an area with no trees, spending a couple of hundred bucks on gutters may seem unnecessary since water can just as easily drain into the streets. Unfortunately, that's not true, and now your favorite boots are ruined.
Gutter vs. no gutter, here's everything you need to know.
Why Do Homes Need Gutters?
Not all homes need a gutter system, but most do. If you live in a region with a low rainfall rate and infrequent flooding, you might not need to install a gutter system. A well-designed rain gutter system can prevent water from entering the house and causing damage.
If you live in a region with high rainfall rates or frequent flooding, installing gutters is a good idea.
Why Are Rain Gutters So Important?
If you're a gardening enthusiast, there's nothing worse than seeing your plants die after rainfall season. Besides protecting your roof and home, rain gutters prevent soil erosion and keep garden beds healthy.
If the rain runs off your roof, rather than being directed into your rain gutters and then funneled away from your house, it will carry soil each time it rains—causing erosion. And if you've built garden beds next to the house, that eroded soil might pool in those beds and drown plants or flowers.
It's also essential to think about the long-term effects of soil erosion. Over time, dirt and mud can clog up your gutters and cause leaks in your roof. This will lead to costly repairs that you probably don't want on a regular basis.
Are Gutters Always Necessary?
Though gutters are typically highly encouraged, there might be some circumstances in which they're not necessary.
- Concrete: If your home is built on a foundation in an area with many sidewalks, driveways, and patios (concrete structures), it already has protection from rainwater that seeps into the ground.
- Downward slopes: Buildings on hills are often spared the need for gutter systems, as rainwater will naturally flow down the hill.
- Overhang: A large roof overhang of 6 to 10 inches may disqualify you from needing gutters, but only if your home features several other important characteristics, such as having downward slopes.
- Weather patterns: Your home is less likely to need gutters if you live in a drier climate.
Maintaining Your Gutters
If you live in an area with no trees and have a gutter system installed, you may question how frequently you need to clean your gutters.
The truth is that you should check your gutters at least once a year. In a strong, steady wind, leaves can travel long distances from the tops of trees. The direction in which they fall depends on the prevailing winds and other factors, like how close surrounding trees are to your home.
A small amount of debris in your gutters is normal, but if it builds up so much that water can't drain from the downspout—or worse yet, flows over the gutter itself—you'll need to clean them out.
To check if the downspouts are working properly, go outside when it is raining heavily and watch to see that water flows freely out of the spouts but doesn't flow over the gutters.
If you notice water flowing over the gutters, it could mean that your downspouts are blocked by leaves or other debris. To clear them out, use an extension ladder to access the gutter and remove any accumulated leaves. Be sure to check for leaks in the gutter and replace them if necessary.
FAQs
How can I tell if I need gutters?
Gutters are necessary to keep water from pooling on your roof and causing damage. If you haven't had any leaks problems, you might be fine without gutters (though they can still be useful). However, if you see water pooling around your home, it's a good idea to install gutters right away.
Do I need gutter guards if I live in an area with no trees?
It's possible that you don't need gutter guards if you live in an area with no trees. However, it's also possible that other things around your home could cause damage to your gutters. If you want to be on the safe side, talk with a roofing contractor about whether gutter guards would be helpful for your situation.
Do I need to have my gutters cleaned?
You should have your gutters cleaned at least once a year. This will help prevent any buildup of dirt and debris from damaging your roof. If you don't clean your gutters, they can be damaged by things like rain and snow, which can lead to leaks in your roof.