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Gutters |
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Uncontrolled runoff can damage paint, undermine and crack foundations, contribute to mold problems in crawlspaces and flood basements. One inch of rain on an average size home roof creates about 500 gallons of rainwater runoff. Proper gutter and downspout systems guide the water away from your house and protect the surrounding land from erosion damage. WHY YOU NEED A GUTTERING SYSTEM
Foundation Problems
Without gutters, rain that hits a roof falls off into a narrow border next to the foundation. In the valleys of the roof, the runoff is focused into a forceful stream that can actually dig a hole in the ground it impacts. Saturation of the foundation area can cause settling and cracking; block foundations are especially vulnerable. Runoff can enter the crawlspace between the floor and the ground and the increased humidity can contribute to wood rot and mold.
Wall Problems
Runoff does not fall straight down. Water curls back from the edges of the eaves and, as the stream falls, it is deflected by wind and air resistance. In sheltered places, the extra water on the exterior walls can contribute to mildew. Even homes with impermeable siding are vulnerable. House paint can be damaged, peeling away from wood siding prematurely. Lower on the walls, paint can be marred and stained by mud thrown up when the runoff hits the ground.
Erosion
Even with a gutter system that works properly, there is risk of erosion at the outlets of the downspouts. Splash blocks set under the spouts take most of the impact of the water stream, spreading the flow into a wide and shallow pattern that doesn't harm your yard. Water can be piped into dry wells--pits filled with large rocks work well--to speed dispersion into the ground. Cisterns and holding tanks can also collect the runoff for use as irrigation water in a drier season of the year.
Landscaping
Plants, flowers, mulch and soil located under the drip line of an unguttered roof can suffer from the water runoff of a thunderstorm. Additionally, this runoff can result in an overwatering condition that could permit harmful fungus to develop as well as attract ants, roaches and termites. Properly installed guttering offers additional protection to your landscaping.
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