Did you know that aluminum gutters and downspouts (the most common gutter system) can cost around $3,000 to install?
That’s a considerable amount of money. If you’re thinking of installing them, you might be wondering if gutters help your foundation.
The short answer is yes. Gutters are often well worth the investment, as they can save you a lot of money by preventing potential future damage.
Yet, there are a few cases where you could not install or at least delay installing those gutters. Read on for more.
Are Gutters a Must?
Gutters aren’t a must while building your home, as they don’t directly affect the integrity of your foundation. A home will last and remain completely habitable, as long as it doesn’t receive extensive water damage.
However, the rainier it is, the more essential gutters become. Gutters may not be important in hot climates, but they almost become a must if you live in an area that rains often.
How Do Gutters Help Your Foundation?
The primary function of gutters is to drain any water that may accumulate on your roof. The gutter framework would then guide the water away from your house to prevent foundation damage.
However, gutters have other uses as well:
1 – Infestation Control
Have you noticed how insects are often present around standing water or moisture? Not only is it an easy water source for them, but standing water is also a perfect breeding ground.
The absence of gutters almost always means stagnant water, especially after it rains. So, unless you don’t mind flying pests, gutters are necessary.
2 – Mold Control
Bugs aren’t the only thing that thrives in stagnant water. Mold is also a threat that may not sound like a big deal at first…until it becomes an infestation.
Stagnant water is an excellent nutrition source for various types of fungi, especially in humid environments.
So, by clearing that water, you get rid of both fungi and bugs.
3 – Paint Retention
The absence of gutters will lead to water overflowing your roof. When that happens, the water will slide on the walls of your house.
That may not be problematic if it happens a couple of times. But if you allow that to happen often, the water will damage the paint of your house and cause mold growth.
4 – Basement Protection
People who have basements know the nightmare of having them flooded. Gutters then become an absolute necessity as they keep the water away from both the basement and the foundation of your house.
Maintaining Your Gutters
Keep in mind that you may lose all the benefits mentioned above if you don’t maintain your gutters.
Gutters can get clogged by leaves, dust, and feathers. A clogged gutter system will do more harm than not having it at all.
That’s why you should always ensure that your gutters are clear so they can function without issues.
Typically, you should be able to clear that clog by manually removing any debris from the bottom of the gutters and rinsing with water from the top.
Sometimes you may need to tap the side of the gutters to help dislodge any stuck debris.
If you fail to clear the clogging, you should hire professional help. They would have the necessary tools to unclog the gutters from the inside.
When Can You Not Install a Gutter
With all the help gutters can provide, there are still a few cases when you might get away with not installing some.
Your Home Is Surrounded by Concrete
If concrete entirely surrounds your home, you can rest assured that your foundation is safe without gutters.
However, the same can’t be said regarding mold, insects, and paint deterioration.
Your Home Is on a Slope
Being on a slope significantly reduces water stagnation resulting from rain. Even if some water stagnation is inevitable, it’ll be considerably delayed.
Unfortunately, it won’t be delayed forever, as some water will gradually find its way inside your home’s foundation.
Your Roof Is Overhanging
If your roof extends at least six inches away from the walls of your building, then you may not need gutters. If you also live on a slope, you might not need gutters at all.
FAQs
Should you have gutters all around your house?
Well-installed gutters don’t usually need to circulate the whole house. However, larger houses that need more gutters may have an almost complete circulation of gutters around them.
Do gutters cause foundation issues?
Gutters prevent your house’s foundation from being damaged by water stagnation. However, a clogged gutter system does the exact opposite, which is why you should ensure it’s well-maintained.
Are gutters a waste of money?
Gutters are expensive to install, and some people may think they are a waste of money
In most cases, they’re a fantastic investment as they prevent a small fortune’s worth of future damage.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, we can say that it’s recommended to have a gutter system. The initial cost might feel like a large chunk of your savings, but it could save even bigger chunks in the future.
You may delay the installation of those gutters if you have an overextended roof. You may also do that if your house is surrounded by concrete or if it’s built on a slope like a hill.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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