While most homes have gutters, some homeowners opt to go without them entirely. If you recently purchased a home that doesn’t have gutters or has old, damaged gutters in desperate need of replacement, you may find yourself asking: are gutters necessary? Do you really need gutters on your home, or are they unnecessary for some homes and locations?
How Do Gutters Work?
Gutters are installed along the edge of the roof—usually attached to the fascia board below the roofline—creating a channel that collects water pouring down the roof and guiding it out and away from the home. As the water slopes down the roof and into the gutters, the gutter system guides it horizontally along the roof and into a downspout, which allows the water to flow away from the base of the house.
Gutters may also include gutter guards, which can either be added on top of existing gutters or be part of the whole gutter system as they are with K-Guard gutters. These guards are designed to keep leaves and other debris—as well as pests like squirrels and birds—out of the gutter system while still letting water flow through. These can be mesh guards or enclosed gutter covers that curve over the top of the gutters and guide water back in with a nose-forward design.
Are Gutters Even Necessary?
So are gutters necessary for every home? YES! Gutters are necessary for any and every home. Gutters provide essential drainage and protect against potential water damage. Without gutters, rainwater will pour directly off the roof and soak the siding, garden beds, and possibly even flood the basement. Gutters protect your home against all manner of issues, including:
- Structural damages to your siding or basement
- Landscape erosion from excess water in the gardens bordering your home
- And even significant foundational issues like a cracked or sinking foundation if left unchecked.
Gutters are typically not legally required, although they may be a requirement in certain HOA guidelines or even building codes. But they’re absolutely essential for preventing water damage.
Will Gutters Help Water in the Basement?
If you have been struggling to keep water out of your basement, gutters are a great solution. Because they guide water out and away from the base of your home, gutters reduce the likelihood of water soaking or dripping into your basement.
Will Gutters Increase Home Value?
While gutters do not directly add much value to your home, they can be a nice perk for home buyers in areas that get a decent amount of rain. Gutters with a lovely aesthetic—such as the K-style troughs of K-Guard gutters that come in a variety of colors to match trim or siding—can boost curb appeal and be a statement piece on your home when it hits the market!
Additionally, gutters make up for in protection what they lack in direct value. A home with significant water damage or flooding issues will inevitably lose value to the repairs and unsightly mildew on areas of the exterior better kept dry. Gutters may not add value, but they certainly protect your existing value!
When Are Gutters NOT Necessary?
Gutters are always necessary for every home. Even if you live in a region that is relatively dry or doesn’t experience much rainfall, you need gutters. Of course, homeowners in the Heartland know that rain and snowfall are common occurrences, so gutters are even more of a necessity here!
Can Gutters Cause Roof Leaks?
The wrong type of gutters can unfortunately cause more harm than good, leading to roof leaks and other damage if the gutters are clogged and not able to divert water as designed. This is why it’s important to invest in a high-quality gutter system with gutter guards to stop debris from clogging the troughs and downspouts.
How Long Can I Go Without Gutters?
Gutters can be an expensive investment, which can leave some homeowners wary about taking the leap into. If you’re planning to get gutters eventually but hoping to put it off as long as possible, you should consider the potential ramifications of this decision.
The main factor contributing to how long you can go without gutters is precipitation in your area. How much rainfall you get has the potential to speed up the timeline, as greater rainfall means faster water damage when gutters aren’t there to stop it. Kansas City has higher-than-average rainfall and snowfall, so you really shouldn’t chance it by putting off gutter installation.
The Best Hassle-free Solution for Gutters
Long story short, it’s better to invest in gutters (or replace old, faulty gutters) now rather than waiting until damage occurs—and those gutters should be reliable, maintenance-free, and leaf-free so you don’t have to worry about them after they’re installed!
The K-Guard Gutter System is guaranteed to be clog-free and last a lifetime, giving you hassle-free protection against water damage! K-Guard gutters will never affect your roof’s warranty since they attach to the fascia board rather than the roof itself, and our scientifically engineered gutter protection actively repels leaves and debris while allowing water to flow in and away from your home.
The icing on the cake is that at K-Guard Heartland, we offer flexible financing options to make sure you never have to wait to invest in the protection your home needs! If you’re ready to protect your home with this exterior must-have, contact us for a free estimate!
