Why Gutters Fail

For many homeowners who are investing in home improvement projects for their exteriors, gutters tend to be an afterthought. Sure, they play an important role in protecting your home from water damage, but at the end of the day, they’re just gutters. Does it really matter what type of material you use for your gutters, or which contractor you hire to install them?

In short: yes. Do you want your new roof or siding to retain its pristine appearance? Do you want your interior to remain dry, mold-free and comfortable? Then you need to put as much care and thought into your new gutters as you would any other home improvement project!

Reason #1: Low-Quality Material

Like any other component of your exterior, your gutters are constantly exposed to the elements. During strong storms, they need to be able to support 30-40 pounds per foot of material. If your gutters are made of a weak material, they may break away from your home during a storm or heavy winds, causing significant damage.

Reason #2: Faulty Installation

Even the highest-quality gutter material will let you down, however, if your system isn’t properly installed. Your gutters need to be securely attached to your roof during the installation to ensure they will remain intact in severe conditions.

Reason #3: No Gutter Protection System

After selecting a high-quality gutter material and experienced, reputable contractors to handle the installation, you’re well on your way to achieving long-lasting, high-performance gutters. But there’s one more step you need to take: installing a gutter protection system.

Without gutter guards or gutter screens, leaves, pine needles and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and create a clog, causing water to overflow onto your siding. This can result in major water damage that will require expensive repairs.