Most homeowners dont see the need for channels since they cant handle large water volumes.
But in the real sense, channels are necessary to protect your house from stormwater.
Or guard the roof against the rain.
They also protect the buildings foundation from excessive rainwater.
Remember, for the gutter to function properly, you should maintain its cleanliness.
Read along to have an in-depth insight into gutters.
It will enable you to understand why theyre necessary or not.
In this article
Related:Types Of Roof Vents
What Is A Gutter?
A gutter is a tube at theroofs edgesthat move the rainwater away from the house.
Some homeowners prefer putting gutters all around the house.
Others install them in strategic areas that receive more water.
If you have these channels in your home, the houses foundation will remain strong.
The material composition of gutters is aluminum, plastic, or copper.
And they come in different sizes and shapes.
Related:Vinyl vs steel vs aluminum gutters
What Is the Purpose of Gutters?
Gutters are an important part of the building.
Ithelps in water redistribution, making the foundation strong and free from damage.
It will help you redirect the water to a safe place away from the buildings foundation.
If you dont have drains in your house, it will be hard to redistribute rainwater.
So, theyll enter the home, making it crack.
With cracks in your houses basement, expect leakages.
Your home will also be prone to floods whenever it rains.
If the rainwater damages your houses foundation youll put up with repair expenses.
Gutters can also helpenhance your homes beauty.
Drains will prevent the splashing of rainwater on the walls.
When it rains, water hits on the soil then bounce back on the walls.
If you dont have gutters, this will make the walls dirty and muddy.
Remember, soil erosion can interfere with your homes landscape.
If you have sidings or paintings, know that the rainwater will peel them off.
All these will make you understand whygutters are necessary.
Another importance that points to why are gutters necessary is when the rainwater force itself through the windows.
When water leaks through these openings, your health and that of your family will be at risk.
Even if you fix the strong windows with time, theyll yield to pressure.
In the end, theyll have openings that allow rainwater through.
Water leaking through the openings means molds will start growing in your house.
Gutters or No Gutters
Are gutters necessary?
Depending on the area of your house, gutters can be of use or not.
If you live in an arid region, installing gutters will waste resources.
But if you stay in an area full of heavy rainfall, then theres a need.
The gutters will protect your building from damage.
Ensure your gutter system is functional so that you dont do frequent repairs.
Why Do Houses Need Gutters?
One of the reasons why channels are necessary is that theyllprevent soil erosion in your home.
If the building is on a raised ground meaning each time it rains, youll be losing more soil.
With frequent soil erosion, your house foundation will start cracking.
It can also lead to a sinister landscape.
Houses need gutters toprotectthe garden bedwhere you plant your flower or shrubs.
With no channels, your garden will have constant soil erosion.
Rainwater can also disappear with the plants on the garden bed.
Without gutters in your house, water will interfere with the sidings.
After some time, itll be exposing it to dirt, resulting in rotting or staining.
The stains will make your siding lose its aesthetic, making your house unattractive.
Are Rain Gutters Really Necessary?
Most homeowners dont see the need to install rain gutters.
But in a real sense, rain gutters are necessary since theyve benefits for your house.
First, rain gutters protect the soil around your home as theyprevent soil erosionespecially if the land slopes upwards.
The channels are also necessary to protect your houses siding where the roof fits next to the walls.
No rainwater on the sidings helps in maintains its beauty.
Remember, gutters are important inpreventing floodingaround your home.
If your house is in an area of red clay soil, its good to install channels.
The soil pop in is prone to redirecting water at the same spot every time it rains.
So, it cant protect the buildings foundation.
But, theres no legal requirement for your house to have gutters.
So, you’re able to view it as extra expenses depending on your location.
When Are They Optional?
Suppose your property plays the role of gutters; theres no need to have one.
If your house is in a place where the landscape flows downward, you also need no gutters.
Also, if your compound is concrete all around, theres no need for these channels.
The concrete will act as a protective layer to the soil.
Gutters are also optional when you live in a dry place where rainfall is seldom seen.
It should be optional also if your roof has a long extension.
What Can I Use Instead of Gutters?
You dont have to limit yourself to gutters if they dont appeal to you.
There areseveral alternative optionsthat you’re free to choose from to help in managing rainwater.
you’ve got the option to use rain chains, ground gutters, or rain dispersal systems.
The rain chains come in various designs and are capable of reducing the rainwater force.
Even though rain chains are beautiful, theyre not as effective as gutters.
Drip edges also prevent the water from flowing next to the walls reducing damage.
Another alternative is rain dispersal systems.
It operates by dividing the water into smaller drops that reduce its force.
When water flows at a slower pace, the damage reduces significantly.
The trench has a waterproof lining and polythene.
It also has a perforated tube at the bottom; then, gravel fills the remaining space.
The ditch allows water to flow away from the buildings, protecting your house.
Lets look at each side of the gutters to enable you to make the right choice.
Although Florida is prone to flooding, most homes around dont have gutters.
The probability of homeowners in these areas cutting on building costs by excluding gutters can be another reason.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Gutters Yourself?
Installing gutters yourself is not hard since most of the materials are available in any hardware around you.
How Often Should You Replace Gutters?
But for them to stay that long, ensure that you do maintenance often.
Dont let dirt and pests destroy them.
Conclusion
You shouldnt be a doubting Thomas to ask if gutters are necessary.
But rather understand the reasons why theyre essential in your home.
Its wise to know that gutters can protect your house foundation and prevent soil erosion.
If you want your home exterior sidings to maintain their beauty, install gutters.
