Gutters play a vital role in keeping your home dry during
and after a storm. Their main purpose is to collect rainwater or snow melt from
your roof and divert it away from the house and the foundation. Without gutters
at your roof perimeter, water can cause damage to the exterior face of the house
or building and eventually damage the foundation. This is especially true in
New England where we experience both rain and snowstorms.
While some building codes don’t require gutters at the
pitched roof eave line, they are advisable in our northeast climate. A sloped
roof is designed to shed water. Gutters are channels or troughs installed along
the perimeter of the roof edge to collect rain water and melted snow. The
gutters are then pitched toward downspouts intended to carry the water away
from the house or building.
Downspouts are basically vertical tubes. They can be
round or square. Downspouts can dispense the collected water in two ways. They allow
the water to flow away from the structure through an angled section and a
splash block that diverts the water to the surrounding landscape. Alternately,
downspouts can be connected to an inground drainpipe network that carries the
water away from the foundation to an outlet or well.
The most important benefit of gutters and downspouts is that
they keep moisture away from your walls and foundation. Moisture that drips or
splashes onto the exterior walls can potentially find its way inside your home
and can result in leaks and mold growth. The exterior walls themselves can also
grow mildew and moss on the surface.
Uncontrolled rainwater can negatively impact the soil
around the perimeter of your building by causing erosion and flooding of the gardens
adjacent to the structure. The excess water can also seep down into the soil
that abuts your foundation and apply hydrostatic pressure against the walls.
This can eventually cause cracking, shifting, and leaks.
Gutters are available in a variety of materials, profiles,
and sizes. You can choose from metal, vinyl, and even wood. They can be semi-round
or ogee style. Choosing the right gutter can enhance both the curb appeal and
value of your home.
Gutters are an essential component of your building
exterior. They provide a great deal of protection from moisture damage. When
considering new or replacement gutters for your home or commercial building,
reach out to the professionals at FRG Contractor Corporation. We have been
providing quality services in the industry for over 20 years.
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements in Massachusetts, but its…