Many just see gutters as a way to keep rainwater from falling on your head when you are entering and exiting your home. Some neighborhood homeowners associations (HOA) even restrict their installation for cosmetic reasons. But one of the simplest elements of a home can make a huge impact: Gutters and Downspouts.
But, while it might not be the most glamorous feature of your home, gutter systems play a vital role in protecting your property from potential damage, and can contribute to the health and well-being of your home’s occupants. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of gutters from a home inspection standpoint and why they should be a priority for your home.
Protecting Siding and Exterior:
Gutters play a key role in safeguarding your home's exterior. Water overflowing from missing or clogged gutters can damage siding, paint, and other external surfaces, and painted trim can become damaged due to moisture intrusion. This also helps prevent moisture intrusion around windows and doorways, reducing the chance of damage or mold growth. Gutters capture the excessive run-off from the roof and direct it elsewhere, reducing the exterior covering’s exposure to moisture.
Foundation Stability:
A solid foundation is the backbone of any home. But the presence of moisture at or beneath a foundation can cause serious issues. Missing, clogged, or damaged gutters can lead to water pooling around the foundation, compromising its stability over time. In areas with expansive soil (soil which expands and contracts, based on moisture content,) moisture can cause significant cracking due to differential settlement. Moisture can also cause general settlement in locations, and can also wash soil away, compromising a foundation’s stability over time. Without a properly operating drainage system, rainwater can wreak havoc on your home's foundation, causing erosion and cracks.
Preventing Basement and Crawl Space Flooding/Dampness:
Inadequate water drainage can result in basement flooding or pooled water in crawl spaces, leading to costly repairs and potential health hazards. Water pooled in the basement or crawlspace can cause deterioration in the wood floor structure, by encouraging the growth of microbes such as mold fungi. Microbial growth, such as mold, can also be a health hazard- with some types of mold triggering allergic reactions or issues with asthma, and even produce dangerous infections. A properly operating gutter system can reduce moisture levels in the soil around the home, therefore reducing moisture levels in the basement or crawlspace.
** A note about concrete drip paths**
In some areas where gutters are seen as “tacky” or restricted by the HOA, concrete drip paths are often installed. Drip paths appear similar to a concrete curbing or gravel, installed against the home’s foundation, sloped to control the moisture falling from the roof. While these may help in theory, drip paths do not prevent moisture from running down the side of the home and can actually add to it, as moisture drops from the roof and splashes when it hits the concrete/stone. Also, gaps and cracks in the concrete or gravel allow the draining water to permeate the soil beneath, causing issues with the foundation and the basement or crawlspace. While they may provide some protection and moisture control, a proper gutter system is a better option to protect a home.
In the grand scheme of a home, gutters may seem like a small detail, but their impact on the overall well-being of your home cannot be overstated. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and timely repairs will not only keep your gutters in top condition but also contribute to the long-term health and integrity of your home.
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