The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to rain – and lots of it. With the enormous amounts of rain that we get each year, having a reliable gutter system is important. Correct gutter installation and downspouts play a very important role in protecting your home, so it is important to keep them maintained and free-flowing.
They protect your siding and exterior landscaping from water damage and erosion and help drain excess water off your roof. If your gutters are damaged or full of debris (leaves, needles, twigs, etc.), rainwater can overflow and cause damage to your home. In the winter, failing gutters may contribute to ice dams, too.
Gutter Issues
Other than clogged gutters, other gutter problems can contribute to water damage. If the gutter has pulled away from the home, it won’t catch any rainwater or snow/ice melt-off. If gutter sealant was improperly used–or not used at all–leaks occur that can cause problems, too.
Finally, if the gutter isn’t installed in conjunction with the roofing material, it could lead to damage to the eaves or soffits. Too much rot here could affect the stability of the eave and cause a dangerous situation below. Many of these problems go beyond a simple gutter cleaning.
Damage To Your Eaves/Soffits
If allowed to seep behind the gutter, water could erode the wood that your gutter is affixed to. During heavy rains, the extra weight of the gutter section could cause the nails to pull away from the home, causing a gap that renders the gutter useless. With too much rot and rain, the gutters could even fall to the ground!
Then you’re left replacing damaged fascia boards (the material that fronts the soffit framing) and any other damaged structural materials. Not to mention anything on the ground that was damaged by water missed by the gutter or the gutter itself if it came away from the home. If you see even the slightest bit of a gap, get in touch with us for a free estimate.
Mold and Rot
In addition to failing wood that loses stability, mold could become an issue if water is allowed to get to wood that should be protected by the gutters. Mold likes to spread and in warmer weather becomes airborne. If left alone, it could make its way into the interior of your attic and then your home.
Once this happens, you could be required to leave your home while the mold, and everything it touches, is removed and replaced. Mold can be quite harmful to the respiratory system of you and your family, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Even if the mold is on the outside of the home.
Ground Erosion
Any good home builder will ensure the ground slopes away from the house to prevent standing water from collecting at the base of the home. If water overflows from the gutter or is able to slip behind the gutter, that slope erodes away. Not to mention any damage to landscaping you may have below the roof.
Foundation Damage and Basement Flooding
The gutter, downspout, and downspout extension or splash guard all work together to take water away from the home. Otherwise, rain would just cascade off the roof and pool near the foundation of your home. Unless the ground is sloped away from the house, that water will find its way to your foundation.
Depending on the frost line, that water will expand when temperatures get below freezing. This will expand and crack, gaps, nooks, and crannies, allowing more water in. A few years of this will lead to some very serious foundation problems as well as problems in a finished basement (including rot and dangerous molds).
Professional Gutter Installation in Vancouver WA
Warner Roofing and Construction has been working with roofing and gutter systems since 1992. If you see an issue with your gutters or notice any of the problems associated with failing gutters, call for a free estimate. Having a gutter replacement professionally installed by Warner Roofing & Construction work on your gutters comes with a variety of benefits.
#1: You’ll stay safe
Gutter installation can be dangerous, as it involves climbing tall ladders to get on top of the roof. No need to rent or purchase equipment for gutter work on your home — we are well equipped with the proper equipment that will get the job done safely and efficiently. We can handle 40 feet of seamless gutters more efficiently than most homeowners.
#2: You’ll get our expertise
When we are working on your home’s exterior, we will be able to pinpoint any issues or problems that may not be visible to the average homeowner. Whether it is a missing single or something that may stall your gutter installation project, we have the expertise to spot a problem and take care of the solution.
#3: Your home will be protected
The purpose of your gutters is to redirect rainwater away from your home so your windows, doors, and siding, so you can avoid water damage. If the gutters are not installed correctly, they simply can’t do their job and you could risk having the water cause harmful mold or rot to develop.
#4: You’ll save time
If you are like most homeowners, time is precious. Having a professional installer take care of everything related to your gutters means you will save valuable time, so you can work on other house-related projects. We are equipped to do the job efficiently and with superior attention to detail, so you can rest easy knowing that everything is done right the first time.
When working with your gutters, it is critical to have them function well so you can prevent damage to your home’s exterior. You can depend on Warner Roofing & Construction for quality workmanship and lasting results. We offer several gutter-related services for homeowners in Vancouver and surrounding areas.
We are familiar with a wide variety of high-quality gutter materials and will help design a system that not only works as it should but looks great in the process. Aluminum gutters are durable and relatively inexpensive but can get dinged easier than other materials. Vinyl gutters come in a variety of designs and copper gutters provide an elegant look to custom homes.
Gutter Installation Vancouver WA
However, each type of gutter requires specific processes that affect gutter installation costs. Not sure where to begin when it comes to gutter installation? We will help you select a gutter system that not only provides optimal drainage but complements the look of your home as well.
Entrust your gutters to Warner Roofing & Construction and you can be assured that you’ll receive impeccable workmanship, fair pricing, and the pleasant service experience you deserve. Contact us today for gutter installation services today!
