When it rains, water needs somewhere to go, and that’s where gutters come in. Gutters are the narrow channels attached to the edge of your roof.
Their job is to collect rainwater and guide it away from your home. Without gutters, water can pool around your foundation, soak your siding, or cause erosion in your yard, which can lead to damage.
Gutters may not be the most exciting feature of your home, but they play a big role in protecting it. Let’s take a closer look at why they matter and what you need to know about them.
Benefits of Gutter Systems
A gutter system that’s installed correctly does more than move water. Here are a few key benefits:
- Protects your siding: Rainwater that runs directly off your roof can splash against your siding, leading to mold, mildew, staining, and even rotting. Gutters prevent this by directing water away from the exterior walls.
- Prevents foundation damage: Water pooling at the base of your home can cause foundation cracks or basement leaks. Gutters move that water away from your home’s foundation.
- Stops soil erosion: Gutters help manage where water lands, so your landscaping stays in place instead of getting washed away.
- Keeps your roof in better shape: Overflowing water from clogged or missing gutters can damage your roof, shingles, and fascia.
- Gutter guards add extra protection: Gutter guards keep leaves, twigs, and debris out of your gutters. This helps water flow freely and reduces how often you need to clean them.
How Long Do Gutters Last?
Gutters don’t last forever, but the type of gutter you choose can make a big difference. Here’s a closer look at how long you can expect different types to last:
- Copper gutters: When properly installed and maintained, they can last 50 to 100 years.
- Aluminum gutters: With proper maintenance, aluminum gutters usually last 20 to 30 years.
- Seamless gutters: Unlike traditional sectional gutters, seamless gutters are custom-cut to fit your home. Most seamless gutters are made from aluminum, so their lifespan is 25 to 30 years.
Is It OK To Have a House Without Gutters?
Most homes need gutters to avoid serious problems caused by rainwater. Without gutters, water can sink into the ground and cause cracks in the foundation. It can also leak into basements or crawl spaces, making them damp and musty.
Rainwater can also wash away the soil around your home, ruining your yard and making the ground uneven. The outside of your house can also be damaged. If there’s wood near the roof, like fascia boards, it can rot from being wet all the time.
Even though gutters may not seem like a big deal, they do an important job and help protect your home from damage, keeping it in good shape for years to come.
How Big Should Gutters Be?
Gutters aren’t one-size-fits-all. Picking the right size makes a big difference in how well they protect your home. For most houses, 5-inch gutters are the go-to choice. They’re great for handling regular rainfall and work well with average-sized roofs.
But if your roof is bigger and steeper, or you live in an area with heavy downpours, 6-inch gutters might be the better option. They hold more water, making them less likely to overflow during a storm.
Not sure what size is right for your home? A professional can help you figure it out based on your roof and local weather.
Why Choose Us?
At Beyond Exteriors, we understand Northern Virginia homes because we live here, too. As a locally owned and operated company, we’re committed to serving our neighbors with care and respect. We don’t believe in high-pressure sales, just real, free estimates you can trust.
From start to finish, our team stays focused on one thing: making sure you’re completely satisfied with the work we do. That’s how we’ve built our reputation, and that’s how we’ll earn your trust.
Ready to protect your home with reliable gutters? Contact Beyond Exteriors today to schedule gutter services in Northern Virginia.