The truth is some homes don t need them.
Do you need to have gutters on your house.
The major purpose of gutters is to permit continual water runoff to the downspouts during hailstorms and heavy rains.
You have a 6 to 10 wide roof overhang.
But most homes do need a good rain gutter system to collect the storm water that lands on the roof and direct it away from the house to prevent damage to the structure of your home and to protect your foundation and driveway and sidewalk from pooling water on the sides of your home.
Gutters collect rain water from the roof and through downspouts and pipes discharge it away from your foundation.
Your home may not need gutters if.
A cabin in the woods with squeaky doors drafty windows and moss growing on the north wall doesn t need gutters.
Homes built to code are situated on a slight slope to guide runoff away from the foundation.
You live in an arid location where there is little annual rainfall.
In this case the concrete already provides your foundation with a protective barrier from water.
Constant pounding from rain can erode your foundation causing structural issues for your home down the road.
Water control can help prevent leaks.
Here are four reasons to install gutters on your new house.
By installing gutters you can eliminate those troughs and divets from your landscaping leaving you with a better looking front yard and a better quality foundation holding up your home.
No you don t need gutters on your house.
Watch where the water goes during a heavy rainstorm to see if it is a problem.
You do not want standing water on the roof or under the eaves next to the walls of the house.
You have an apron of concrete gravel or stone around your house and an adequate drainage system to support it.
No gutters or gutters in poor condition will detract value from your house not only will a lack of gutters or ones with issues hurt your home and affect the sale it could also actively lower your home s value.
You don t have to have gutters but they usually help direct rainwater during heavy rains.
A gutter can help control the volume of water.
This promotes longevity for the foundation.
Without gutters water cascading over the roof s edge can wash down the side of your home especially in a windy rain event.
Windows doors and siding will be coated with rain water and that can increase the opportunity for leaks.
Your roof is very shallow.
The ground slopes away from your house.
If rain flows off your roof because you have no gutters the water causes massive erosion washing away more and more soil each time it rains.
Your home is surrounded by concrete be it sidewalks driveway or patio.
Good runoff will help to prevent the build up of moss or mildew on your roof or under the eaves where the roof and house walls meet.
Your home does not require gutters if.