Many homeowners don't think about or know the importance of having a system of gutters and downspouts on their homes. Installing a system of gutters, maintaining them and replacing them as needed is a major duty of responsible home ownership. Not having gutters can cause a great many problems for homeowners.

The Jobs of Gutters and Downspouts:
1. Removing Water From Your Roof
Gutters are responsible for removing water from your roof. When it rains or snow melts, water can get underneath the shingles on the roof causing damage to its structure. Gutters and downspouts also keep water away from the sides of the home. This will prevent water from getting behind siding or causing a "rusting" effect on brick. Constant water drainage can cause staining to the exterior of your home fascia, soffit, wood framing and outside walls as well as decks, patios, driveways and walkways.

2. Prevent Erosion of The Soil Around Home
Another important job of gutters and downspouts is that they prevent erosion of the soil around the home. Large amounts of water running down a foundation for long periods of time can cause cracks. Gutter systems may prevent cracks in the foundation and water in the basement. These systems facilitate the removal of water on and around your home, preventing damage to your home's roof and foundation.

The Negatives of Not Having Gutters and Downspouts:
1. Infestations
Not having a gutter and downspout system on your home can cause infestations. Mosquitoes and other insects breed in standing water.
2. Mold
Also, mold is caused by overflowing gutters which can create an environment for mold to grow in crawlspaces and basements. This constant moisture can cause fungi to damage to your landscaping.
3. Structure Damage
As you can see, having gutters and downspouts installed on your home is important in terms of preventing major damage to your home and its structure. Maintaining your gutter and downspouts is as important because in order for them to work properly, they need to be kept clean and repaired.

What To Do:
Gutter systems need to be cleaned twice a year, spring and late fall. Gutters can be blocked with leaves or other debris, which will cause them to not function as needed. Water needs to flow at least ten feet from the house. Many homeowners may want to clean their gutters themselves, however, there is always risk in getting on ladders. The cost of hiring a gutter expert to clean and maintain your gutters is minimal in relation to the amount of damage your gutter system prevents.

Gutter systems also need to be attached properly to your home. You may need to talk to the gutter professional about changing the spikes holding your system to your house to screws. Screws do a better job of holding gutters in place. Make sure you or the gutter professional check for rusted spots, dents and holes, broken gutter hangers, and disconnected joints and repair these as soon as possible.
If your gutters collect a great amount of debris, you may want to consider having screens installed over the gutter. A guard will not keep all the debris out, and up to 15 to 20 percent still gets in. A visual check should be done at least twice a year.

According to angieslist.com., the cost of gutter cleaning ranges from $75 to $225 for an average home, depending on the length of gutters, height of the home and scope of work. Most companies charge a flat fee per foot of gutter, but the cost can go up depending on the complexity of the work. Make sure that they carry liability insurance and worker's compensation for any employees they use for your job.

Having and maintaining gutters and downspouts is vital in the care of your home. Not only will they keep water from damaging your home, its roof and foundation, but they will prevent expensive damage to your home for years to come. Harper Roofing offers free roof inspections> and help for all your roofing needs. Call us for a free estimate or a list of all of our roofing services. Check out Harper Roofing's 5 star rating on Houzz>!

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We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing Charleston as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/​. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/the-importance-of-having-gutters-and-maintaining-them. Email us with any questions.

Winter is almost here and it is important that you prepare your roof for the possibility of severe weather. By preparing your roof for winter, you will prevent the need for more extensive roof repair in the future. These are a few basic maintenance steps that should be followed to get your roof ready for winter.

**Before you start, consider that climbing on a roof can be dangerous. Roofing professionals are specifically trained to navigate roofs, and they have the equipment and expertise to see a potential problem before it escalates into a major issue. If you do decide to perform these maintenance steps, be sure to follow all the necessary safety rules for your protection. There are websites such as www.gaf.com/roofing/residential/diy/learn_roofing_safety, which lists ways to be safe while working on your roof.

1. CLEAN THE GUTTERS
Leaves and other debris will collect in your gutters and downspouts and can prevent rain water from being removed from your roof. This water will overflow and damage your roof, trim and siding. Cleaning out your gutters will also prevent the weight of this debris from causing the gutters pull away from the anchors which secure them to the house. Periodically checking your gutters and then doing a final cleaning once the trees are bare, will keep your gutters clear. Consider installing screens or gutter guards to prevent leaves from collecting in your gutters.

2. CLEAN YOUR ROOF
It is important to remove leaves, pine needles, dirt and any other debris from your roof's surface to prevent moisture and rot which will break down your roofing material. The best way to clean debris off of your roof is by hand using a broom or soft brush. Remember that applying too much pressure will remove roof granules which can reduce your roof's lifespan. Another method to remove debris is with a blower. Pay special attention to the valleys which can collect water.
Using a pressure washer to clean your roof is definitely not recommended. Pressure washing a roof can blow off granules or even take off shingles. These granules protect the asphalt in the shingle from the UV rays of the sun. Shingles have sealing strips on their backs and a pressure washer can sever the strip allowing water to get under the shingle. In fact, if you use a pressure washer to clean your roof, you may no longer qualify for your roof's warranty.
Algae, moss, or mold can be especially damaging to your roof's lifespan. Cleaning and treating these may require a professional to prevent damage to your shingles and prevent further growth. There are DIY cleaners on the market, however, to prevent damage to your shingles, always try the cleaner on a sample shingle.

3. CHECK YOUR CLEAN ROOF FOR DAMAGES
After your roof has been cleaned, a visual examination of the surface is needed. Check for missing, cracked, curled, or frayed shingles. This would be the time to repair or replace shingles. Also examine the flashing around the vents, chimneys, skylights or other protuberances because this is where water tends to collect.

4. CHECK YOUR ATTIC'S INSULATION AND VENTILATION
Your attic's insulation and ventilation are extremely important to the health and lifespan of your roof. Your energy bills are also impacted by having the right amount of insulation and ventilation in your attic. When sunlight hits your roof, it heats the air in your attic. Proper ventilation prevents the hot air from condensing, which causes moisture and mold from rotting your roof's supports. Additionally, the correct amount of insulation will prevent the hot air from seeping into your living space, causing higher energy costs.

In conclusion, preparing your roof for winter makes perfect sense. Not only will you have the peace of mind knowing that you have done everything possible to prevent damage to your roof, you will also know that there are no potential repairs waiting in the wings.

Harper Roofing offers a professional roof inspection and will give you an honest assessment free of charge. Check out our A+ rating with the Better Business bureau and our 5 star rating on Houzz.

If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need. 

We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/preparing-your-roof-for-winter. Email us with any questions.