Water might seem innocuous, but this seemingly harmless element can cause untold damage to a home if you allow it to roam freely and settle wherever it wishes. So a building needs strict control measures. Guttering is your first line of defence against the destruction that water can passively cause. Here are three ways it protects your home.
Draining Water Off The Roof
Gutters are essential parts of your roof's drainage system. They control and channel rainwater safely away so that it doesn't gather in pools that can seep inside to cause rotting and decay within the roof. The system of troughs collects and directs the flow, much like a channel system controls river water. As rain runs down the roof, it moves along the valley gutters between peaks and into the guttering around the roof edge. From there, it flows through downpipes and emerges at a safe distance from the home, where it can't create havoc. Roofs with steeper pitches more effectively drain water than flat roofs. However, the valleys between multiple angles can encourage water pooling in some instances.
Keeping It Away From The Walls
Well-maintained guttering protects the walls of your home also. Without gutters, water would regularly flow down the side of the building. This can cause rotting and dampness within the walls and lead to mould. While walls can cope with normal rainy conditions, they aren't intended—like a pool is, for instance—to withstand the continuous water stream that might happen in some regions during the wet season or in others during winter. Dripping water can also carry dirt and mud and give your home a dingy appearance.
To not overflow, the gutters need to be free of leaves and rubbish that can cause blockages and also be large enough for your region's typical rain patterns. Otherwise, you might need to undergo gutter replacement. Covered channels that avoid the build-up of leaves can be a good option for bushfire-prone areas, as they eliminate a possible fire hazard.
Preserving The Foundations
The gutters and downpipes also protect the foundations of your home. Water that continually runs down the wall can pool on the ground around the structure. This can wash away the soil the supports the foundations and make concrete more susceptible to cracking. If your home has a basement or its structure sits within a hill, it is particularly important to safely channel the water away so the lower parts remain dry and firm.