Do you really need rain gutters? For most Connecticut homes the answer is yes. Gutters collect the water that runs off your roof and send it to a downspout, where it can drain away from the house instead of soaking the ground next to your foundation. Skipping them may save money up front, but it usually costs more later.
What Rain Gutters Actually Do
Gutters are out of sight, so they are easy to forget. Their job is simple. They catch rainwater and snowmelt at the edge of the roof, carry it to a downspout, and release it where it can drain safely.
Without them, every storm drops gallons of water in a narrow line around the house. That water has to go somewhere, and the places it goes are where the trouble starts.
Why You Need Rain Gutters on Most Homes
They protect the foundation and basement
Water that lands next to the house soaks into the soil around the foundation. Very often it ends up in the basement. Over time, repeated runoff can lead to foundation and settlement problems, which are some of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face.
They protect landscaping, driveways and patios
Runoff falling from the roof edge washes out planting beds and erodes the soil around the house. Erosion below the surface can even undermine a driveway or patio.
They keep water off the house itself
Without a working gutter system, water is more likely to seep into the soffit, fascia and siding. That leads to rot, and damp wood attracts pests. Water sheeting off the roof also falls right in front of doors and runs down windows and trim. A door canopy or window awning adds another layer of protection over an entry, and it keeps you dry while you look for your keys.
Signs Your Gutters Need to Be Replaced
Gutters only help when they are in good shape. Look for rust, cracks, sagging sections and joints that drip during a storm. Stains on the siding or washed-out soil under the roof edge are also signs that water is escaping.
Gutter installation is trickier than it looks. The pitch has to be right and the downspouts have to be placed where the water can drain away. Mistakes are easy to miss until the next heavy rain, so replacement is a job best left to a professional. Aluminum gutters are a common choice because they hold up well and look clean on the house.
Check the Rest of Your Exterior Too
If water has been running down your walls for a few seasons, look closely at the areas it touched. Soft or peeling door frames, swollen thresholds and stained window sills all point to water damage. Worn units can be replaced with new entry doors and patio doors or vinyl replacement windows that seal tightly and need very little upkeep.
Talk to a Local Exterior Contractor
Aladdin Inc. has been helping Connecticut homeowners with home exterior projects since 1949. If water has taken a toll on your doors, windows or entryway, contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to talk through your options.