Gutters are an important part of the roofing system. However, not everyone has a complete understanding of how gutters work. Many tend to think that gutters perform a simple function, i.e., they keep the rain from falling straight down onto the people below on a rainy day. While this may be a good reason to install gutters, a gutter system actually has a more important role than just keeping you from being drenched.

THE ROLE OF GUTTERS

Gutters have been around since the Roman Empire. The Romans knew the importance of collecting water, and gutters were one of the best ways to collect rainwater. During this period, collecting water might well have been the main function of gutters, but through the years gone by, this has gradually evolved. Today the most compelling reasons to have gutters installed in your home are:

To Direct Rain Water Properly

During the Roman Empire, gutters were used to direct rainwater from the roof into a collection facility. Although this is still being practiced in some countries, gutters in the US mostly direct water away from the roof, into a central drainage system, allowing for proper disposal. This prevents water from going to parts of the roof and home that can be easily damaged when drenched and exposed to so much moisture.

PART I - ROLE OF GUTTERS

Protect and Maintain the Integrity of a Building

When water collects and pools on the roof, it can seep through cracks and make its way into the foundation of the home or building. This can weaken the home’s foundation, compromising its structural integrity. This can result to costly foundation repair work and repairs.

Prevent Diseases by Preventing Insect Infestations

You are probably already aware that insects and small animals thrive in places where there is dirty, stagnant water. Without gutters, the force of rain coming from the roof will eventually create cracks in the pavement or holes in the ground where water can become stagnant. Insects love this and sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with insect infestation that can harm not only your property but your family, too.

Now that you’re aware of the roles that gutters play and how important they really are, you might already be thinking of how you can ensure that your gutters don’t have a problem. In the next part, we’ll discuss possible

sources of gutter problems.

PART I - ROLE OF GUTTERS

At this point, you probably already know that gutters play a major role in keeping your home structurally safe and in preventing the outbreak of disease. It’s now time to discuss how you can best maintain your gutter system. The first step in doing this is to know how to look for possible sources of problems.

Gutters are made from a wide variety of materials. In fact, there is no international standard when it comes to gutters, although different organizations have their specific preferences. Without a standard, it can be difficult to prescribe “one size, fits all” instructions on maintaining gutter systems. However, if you learn at least a little about how gutters are connected to your roof, you might have a better general idea of where gutter problems could originate.

The following are some of the possible sources of gutter problems.

GUTTER LEVELING

When the gutter is perfectly level with the roof, or not correctly sloped towards the downspout, water can remain stagnant. The same can also happen if the gutter is sloped just in one direction or if it sags in the middle. If you see stagnant water in your gutter, check that it slopes correctly and is free of obstructions.

PART II - POSSIBLE SOURCES OF GUTTER PROBLEMS

OBSTRUCTIONS

Leaves, bird nests, and pieces of roofing tiles – or waste and debris in general – can get stuck in the gutters, which can obstruct water flow. When water collects and becomes stagnant, it can damage the gutter. If this condition remains unchecked, you’ll eventually face costly repairs. You should clear your gutters of obstructions periodically, especially if there are trees near the home, and overhanging branches and leaves are perennially falling onto the roof.

ANCHORS

Improper installation could mean that your gutters may not be anchored to the roof correctly or could come loose because of strong winds. If you live in a windy area or one that is prone to hurricanes and other weather disturbances, you should check if your gutters are still anchored properly – otherwise, the next gust of wind may tear it off altogether.

Now that you know where to look for possible gutter problems, you’ll be able to save a good amount of money on repair costs. However, are your gutters functioning effectively? In the next part, we’ll discuss how you can

maximize the use of your gutters.

PART II - POSSIBLE SOURCES OF GUTTER PROBLEMS

By now, you probably already understand the basic concept of gutters and how you can maintain them by regularly checking for common sources of issues and potential damage. However, you might still be wondering if you’re maximizing the use of your gutters. In the final part of this series, we’ll discuss some of the ways you can ensure that your gutters are working efficiently and that you get that most out of its performance.

Check the width of the gutter relative to the size of the roof

Gutters may not have international standards, but different organizations do. One of these organizations is the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Since they are concerned about the welfare of children worldwide, they publish standards when it comes to the construction of homes and buildings. Among these standards is the size and width of the gutter relative to the roof size.

According to UNICEF, roofs that have sizes of 50, 60, or 70 square meters, should have gutter widths of 12, 13, and 14 centimeters respectively. Meanwhile, the outlet drains should have a diameter of 6.5 centimeters. For roof areas with 80, 90, or 100 square meters, the gutter widths should be 15, 16, and 17 centimeters respectively, while the diameter of the outlet drains should be 7.5 centimeters.

PART III - WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF YOUR

Check the depth of the gutter

The ideal depth of a gutter is half of the gutter width. For instance, a gutter with a width of 12 centimeters should have a depth of 6 centimeters.

Check if the gutter is collecting water properly

There are two main types of gutters: semi-circular shaped and galvanized iron with closed ends. To collect water from the roof properly, semi-circular shaped gutters should be slanted a little towards the roof, while galvanized iron gutters should have one side that is higher than the end of the roof. You should also make sure that the gutter has enough open space between the roof end and the side of the gutter. If it is placed too closely to the roof end, water can simply spill over the gutter.

Gutters are indeed a very important part of the roofing system, which is why every homeowner should make sure they’re in top condition at all times. However, if you’re uncomfortable with heights or do not have the necessary safety equipment, it’s best to call a professional to perform the needed inspections and repairs.

PART III - WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF YOUR

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(800) 766-34951-800-ROOF-495

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