When working properly, your gutter system diverts rainwater away from your home. When your gutters are removed, damaged or obstructed, that water must go somewhere — and, given the opportunity, water can ruin virtually any part of your home.

Modern homes are designed to conserve or “trap” energy. That’s good. But in the process, such homes can also trap moisture and that can cause big problems and costly damage. For example, if the soil around the foundation is soaked from roof drainage water, we can assume that at least some of that moisture will find its way into the basement, crawl space or the concrete floor. Some of this moisture will then be absorbed by the air in the home. Your roof protects your home from the rain by shedding rainwater to the gutters.

Gutters are the horizontal metal (usually aluminum) part of the system that are usually installed along the eave edges of your roof, or along roof features like dormers. Gutters are open at the top to catch rainwater flowing off the roof, directing it into the downspouts.

Downspouts are the vertical, closed sections of the gutter system that direct the water from the roof to ground level. Your drainage system guides the water away from your home’s foundation.

A functional gutter system prevents:

• Water damage to your roof, causing rot, deterioration or mold in shingles, soffit, fascia and masonry
• Moisture in windows, creating condensation or damage sills or interior walls
• Water along the foundation, spurring erosion, damage your foundation or basement flooding

Talk to a trained gutter installation and cleaning professional at Gutter Guys about how you can ensure you gutters continue to protect your home.