The Importance of Rain Gutters on Your Saratoga Springs Home
An often overlooked aspect of any Saratoga Springs home is the gutters and downspouts. Rain gutters are an essential aspect of the exterior water drainage and maintenance of your home and, when installed properly, can function as they are intended with little upkeep from you. Without Saratoga Springs gutters, the excess water runoff from your roof can eventually lead to damage around the foundation of your home. The water will naturally fall and pool in low lying areas, and may cause you unnecessary troubles with basement flooding and extra moisture. Rain gutters are available in many different styles, colors and materials. For the most part, they are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. But before you make the purchase, decide on the type of gutter system that will best compliment your home. You may like the look of copper gutters or would prefer a lower-maintenance vinyl gutter system. Gutters also are available in steel and aluminum. After you’ve chosen the right material and a color that nicely fits your home, it’s time to start installing the gutters. It is imperative that you attach the gutters slightly underneath the edge of the roof, as to make certain that all water runoff, from a light rain to a downpour, will be caught. Gutter downspouts are positioned on the corners of a house. Make sure that the downspouts are channeling water far from the house without pooling water around the foundation. The whole point of having gutters installed is to keep excess water away from your house and from having it damage the foundation. When you’re done with the installation, double check to make sure the gutters are securely fastened to the roof and the downspouts are tightly secured to the house. After installing your Saratoga Springs gutters, it is your responsibility to keep them properly maintained. Traditional gutters are routinely clogged with leaves and other debris, causing blockages and eventually water to flow over the edges. You should perform a total gutter cleaning at least twice a year, removing debris and checking for any holes or leaks. There are gutter-guards available that can block leaves and bigger debris from getting into your gutters. Some gutter systems already have the leaf-guard installed. This is extremely handy for homes that are surrounded by a lot of trees and therefore will have their gutters clogged with leaves and sticks. Without a gutter guard, you may have to remove debris more than twice a year. However, even with gutter screens, it would be wise to inspect your gutters twice a year for any damage and to see if they’re still firmly attached to your roof and house. A properly installed gutter system will channel rainwater and runoff away from your house, leaving the ground and foundation in tact for longer. If you currently don’t have gutters installed, consider the many options and find the gutter system that works best for your home.
