Published on February 22, 2014 in Gutters 2 Comments
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Gutters and Downspouts are critical for proper water drainage

Have you ever seen a house with no gutters and downspouts? It will be like going back in time where people thought the world was flat and they rode in horse and buggy’s going to and from the market. The history of the gutters and downspouts cannot be accurately pinpointed. Who knows where they started and frankly who cares?

For perspective, gutters and downspouts are part of the house’s water collection system that is not located on the ground but rather connected to the roof. Gutters specifically are structures that act as temporary reservoirs and pathway to ensure that water does not enter your home during a rain shower. Imagine a house with its current roof shape without them; it will be like fountain drenching anyone located below.

Gutters are an integral part of the house. However, they are meaningless and useless without downspouts. How in the world will water go down the drainage system if there is no connecting vehicle? Water will just seep through the wall and damage the exterior. Downspouts are pipes that connect the roof to the ground. They are equally important because they ensure that water doesn’t stay very long in the gutters and they serve as water highways going down the drain and away from your home.

These two components are an important aspect in the water drainage system of the house. High volume of rain is expected especially during extreme weather disturbances. Gutters and downspouts need to function well during these times. Otherwise they will do a lot of harm to your home and landscape. If the gutters are clogged, it will result into stagnant water. Rainwater is not essentially dirty but when it gets parked in the gutter, things change. Disease carrying insects breed causing debilitating and even life threatening illnesses. Moisture attracts bacteria and its build up has the potential to infect people on the ground. It can also damage the fascia and soffit structure of the home thereby increasing your cost of maintenance. It can damage a bigger part of your wall which can definitely lower the value of your home. It can also be an accident risk as water is very heavy. If the gutter cannot carry the weight anymore, chances are, it will fall and hit someone on the ground. Downspouts are also critical. If there is blockage in the pipes, nothing goes through. It will create a domino effect resulting into stagnant water in the gutter.

Downspouts and gutters are an important component of the house. You cannot have a structure standing without them. They are an indispensable part of your home and any building for that matter. Never try to short change on their quality as it will produce terrible effects in the long run. They should also be effectively maintained and repaired whenever they are damaged. At the end of the day, building a structure without them is like a disaster waiting to happen.