Capital Home Tips Blog
By Capital Gutters
February 2025 Edition
No.2
When it comes to your home’s first line of defense, gutters may not be what comes to mind as far as defenders go. But, properly installed and functioning gutters can be a big assist in protecting your home and property against a huge culprit for various forms of damage- water. Water with nowhere to go can cause some serious (and costly) problems. Tune in to find out a few ways in which gutters stand strong against the elements.
Firstly, a gutter’s primary skill is collecting rainwater, but, not without purpose. Without gutters, rainwater spills directly off of the roof. Many homeowner have experienced rot, mold, flooding, disrupted gardens, obscene staining and more without them.
Some of that water too often makes its way down siding, causing rot to wood siding, or sneaking behind gaps in vinyl, rotting the structures behind. Water can also cling to the roof, encouraging the growth of algae which can further damage shingles.
Besides potential affects to wood, large surpluses of water surrounding your foundation can lead to cracks overtime. Cracks can be a risk for the structural integrity of your home. Intense puddling can also seep into the foundation, flooding the basement or crawlspace.
Untreated flooding, even if seemingly insignificant can turn into unwanted mold or mildew.
Overall, many of these issues can be treated, or remedied with the addition, or maintenance of your gutters. Gutters collect the concentrated influx of water and disperse it away from the house. When needed, downspout extensions can be added to help push the water even further away.
As aforementioned, a roofline without gutters allows for the concentration of rain to pour directly off and onto the ground. The force from these streams, especially in heavier storms can displace whatever lies below.
How can you tell? One telltale sign is displaces soil, or mulch. If this has occurred over time, you typically will notice a worn out groove in the ground. Another sign is splash-back. When the stream of water is strong, this can force dirt or mulch to kick up, coating the foundation or siding.
Some may wonder, “Wouldn’t the rain naturally do that, with or without gutters?”. The short answer is no. While yes, during heavy storms, displacement is possible, naturally, the rain disperses itself evenly across the ground. With the assistance of gutters, the otherwise concentrated stream from the roof is collected by the gutters, helping to disperse the flow gently across the ground in one area, as opposed to all along the home.
For homeowners with decorative garden beds near the home, gutters are a great way to help protect delicate plants and keep your mulch and stones where they’re supposed to be.
Gutters are an excellent way to spruce up your home. The change can be a subtle update, or a bold statement- the choice is yours. Various colors, styles and sizes of gutters are available. Even just disposing of your old gutters for new can make a big difference.
As far as styles go, K-Style is a classic for a reason. It adds a subtle trim look to any home. Half Round is also another largely popular style. Half Round gutters can enhance an already vintage appearance, or, add the character. Similarly, Box style gutters are popular amongst modern feeling homes and many businesses. They are sleek and simple.
Many options for colors are available as well. Factory coated gutters are an ideal option for adding color. Hand painted gutters often require regular upkeep, as the elements can fade and chip the paint. Factory coil coatings are built to last, resisting against fading, chipping and peeling. With Sherwin Williams Coil Coatings, you can also perfectly match your gutters to your Sherwin Williams painted trim or siding. We also offer Kynar Coil Coatings colors to match metal roofing panels.
Bring your dream house to light. Consider customizing and utilizing your gutters to get the look you dream of. Gutters can be a big assist in making your home pop.
Overall, gutters are an essential for every home. Not only do they help protect both inside and out, they are an excellent way to add aesthetic appeal. Tune in next month to see why gutter maintenance is critical, and what is the needed upkeep.
