Why Your Gutters Matter More to Your Roof Than You Think
When homeowners think about protecting their roof, gutters may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But your gutter system plays an important role in controlling where rainwater goes after it reaches your roof.
When gutters are clogged, damaged, improperly pitched, or too small for the amount of water they receive, that water can end up exactly where you don't want it.
Gutters Are Part of Your Roof's Drainage System
The purpose of gutters and downspouts is simple: collect water from the roof and safely direct it away from the house.
When the system is working correctly, water flows from the roof into the gutters, through the downspouts, and away from the building.
Problems begin when that flow is interrupted.
1. Overflowing Gutters Can Damage Your Fascia
When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, rainwater can overflow.
Repeated exposure to moisture can eventually contribute to deterioration of the wood fascia behind the gutters. In some cases, the damage isn't discovered until the gutters are removed.
Keeping gutters clean and properly pitched can help protect these areas.
2. Poor Drainage Can Contribute to Roof Leaks
Water that cannot move through the gutter system properly may collect near roof edges or find its way behind gutters and flashing.
Small openings can eventually allow moisture to reach the roof deck and other building components.
A problem that appears to be "just a gutter issue" can sometimes become a roofing problem as well.
3. Downspouts Need to Move Water Away From the House
Collecting water is only half of the job.
Downspouts and leaders must also discharge water appropriately. When water is repeatedly released too close to the building, it can contribute to moisture around the foundation, landscaping erosion, and other drainage problems.
Sometimes adding an additional downspout can also help improve drainage in areas receiving a large volume of roof runoff.
4. Watch for Sagging or Improperly Pitched Gutters
Gutters need the correct pitch to move water toward the downspouts.
If a gutter is sagging, pulling away from the fascia, or holding standing water long after a storm, it may need adjustment or repair.
These problems should be addressed before the weight of water and debris causes additional damage.
5. Don't Ignore the Wood Behind the Gutters
When replacing an older gutter system, it's important to inspect the fascia underneath.
Installing new gutters over severely deteriorated wood can create problems because the new system needs a solid surface for proper attachment.
If rotten fascia is discovered, the damaged sections should be evaluated and replaced as necessary before the new gutter system is secured.
Protect the Entire Water-Management System
Your roof, gutters, fascia, and downspouts don't operate independently. Together, they help move rainwater away from vulnerable areas of your home.
Regular cleaning, inspections, and timely repairs can help keep the entire system working properly and prevent small drainage problems from becoming larger repairs.
Pro Roofers GC provides roofing, gutter, leader/downspout, and fascia services throughout New Jersey.
Free Estimates: 973-388-6132
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