Are Gutters Important to My Roofing System?
Most people know that gutters connect to the roof, but many don’t realize how integrated these two components are. In fact, it’s often best to view the two as a holistic system that serves multiple roles. Here are a few facts about roofing and why a roofing contractor must factor them in when installing and managing roofs.
Staying Dry
Roofs are commonly slanted to drain away water and keep it from pooling on top of a home, as the weight of water and its ability to cause rotting can threaten a home’s integrity. However, a roof alone isn’t sufficient to keep a home safe from water damage, and gutters ensure that water has a place to go. Furthermore, gutter systems let homeowners keep water away from the home’s foundation, which helps avoid potentially expensive foundation damage.
Avoiding Rot and Debris
Leaves and other debris can rot over time, and this rot can damage a roof. Gutter systems ensure roofing avoids these potential problems by giving debris a place to collect and move away from the home. While removing leaves from a gutter can be a pain, doing so ensures that these leaves don’t collect on the roof.
Safer Roof Maintenance
Although cleaning and repairing gutters is potentially dangerous, it’s easier and safer to access a home’s gutters than it is to reach parts of a roof. When homeowners need expert help, having a properly functioning roofing system lets experts complete tasks quickly and efficiently, which results is faster repairs at a lower cost.
Roofs keep homes comfortable and provide structural support, but a roofing contractor will also factor in gutters when making recommendations. When thinking about roofing, it’s important to factor in gutters as well to ensure that the home is properly protected from problems only effective gutter systems can mitigate.