Gutters may be the unsung heroes of your new roof for various reasons. And while they may seem inconsequential, if they are improperly cared for, they can cause more harm than good to your home.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them working properly and protect your new roof installed by McFall Residential Roofing. Read on to learn more about what makes gutters so important for your roof and home.
Why Gutters Matter
The main purpose of gutters is to divert water that hits your roof away from your home. In North Central Florida, we see a large amount of rain, so it’s essential that your gutters are able to do their job. Without them, water runoff can hang around and absorb into your foundation, leading to water damage. They control this water runoff and prevent erosion.
How Gutters Threaten Your Roof
Having clogged gutters prevents them from working as they should. Dirty gutters are almost worse than having none at all because water backs up and can damage the fascia and allow your structure to rot.
Seepage
Water seepage occurs when water that gets stuck in your gutters leaks into gaps on the outside of your home. This water may begin to migrate from there into the roof, leading to ceiling leaks inside your home.
Mold Growth
Stagnant water is a fertile breeding ground for mold growth that can spread to your roof and through any vulnerable openings to the interior of your home’s surfaces. This causes damage to your home and your health.
Structural Damage
When gutters are inadequately cleared out, especially after heavy rain, the excess weight causes them to pull away from your soffits and fascia, which can lead to significant home damage.
How to Maintain Your Gutters
There are steps to take to keep your gutters in working condition so they can do their job properly for your roof.
- Clean them often to remove any leaves or yard debris that accumulates and clogs them.
- Secure them using gutter screws when they begin to sag or loosen.
- Regularly check for joint and seam leaks and apply silicone caulk as needed.
- Repair your downspouts as needed and ensure the joints fit correctly.
- Use splash blocks, an irrigation pipe, or an extension to divert downspouts away from the house.
Of course, the best way to maintain your roof is to rely on professionals!
Keep Your McFall Roof Safe With Clean, Functional Gutters
Gutters do an essential job of keeping your roof protected from harmful water runoff and erosion. But they have to be kept clean, or they can actually harm rather than help your roof. When you have a new roof from McFall Residential Roofing, protect it through our expert roof maintenance services. We perform thorough roof inspections and professional debris removal to fix minor issues early to avoid more extensive, costlier problems. Contact us today to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from trusting your roof to McFall.
