Why Some Houses Don't Have Gutters?

September 07, 2022

More often than not, you'll see a rain gutter sitting under the roof of a house. Rain gutters have become a common piece for both homes and commercial buildings all over the country, especially after Seamless Rain Gutters came to increase the functionality people already expected from traditional guttering systems. Most homeowners know that rain gutters are an asset, but that still leaves some instances in which a gutter is not vital for the buildings to hold their own against multiple weather changes. Let's address these exceptions.

Can a House Be OK without Rain Gutters?

If you ask a home improvement specialist, they'll tell you that rain gutters are always necessary. Even if you get some structural advantages to withstand the effects of rain, a rain guttering system is the best way to protect important parts of your property in the long term, specifically your foundations, the roof overhang, and the land surrounding your house.

When a house doesn't have a gutter, any of these factors could come into play:

• The house is located in a dry area with an arid climate. With less rain to deal with throughout the year, the house collects less damage as time goes by, and it is easier to protect the foundations from dampness.


• The house is built at the top of a downward slope (like a hill or a small mountain), so all the water rolls down to the bottom of the slope without getting stuck on the land that's directly around the house.


• Instead of a garden bed, the house is surrounded by concrete or gravel, removing the risk of moisture buildup on the floor's surface. This is common in urban areas where buildings can be flanked by sidewalks, concrete patios, or even a street.


• A large overhang on the roof, usually 6 feet or longer. This way the rainwater rolling down the roof lands far enough to prevent any problem around your foundations.

Keeping a gutter-less home is the standard practice in predominantly dry climates with no unexpected periods of rain. Other than that, houses should meet more than one of the requirements mentioned above to do well without gutters in the long run.

Signs that You Need Rain Gutters

Rain gutters are a home's main defense to prevent a myriad of structural problems. Your home's location might be just right to keep most of the damage at bay, but you should still consider installing rain gutters if you get any of the following issues:

• Floods and water infiltration: A home's basement is the most common place for the water to run to when it rains. Some houses don't have a basement, but that doesn't stop the rainwater from slipping into the ground floor or flooding the crawl space below the structure.


• Soil erosion: When rain gutters are installed, contractors set a slight slope below the downspout outlet. This slope keeps the water from spreading all over the soil, leading it to a drainage area close by. Without a gutter in place, the water starts seeping into the soil, eroding the land and leaving pools of water on your garden beds. Eventually, a portion of your shrubbery may die after the water collected on the floor drowns its roots.


• Weak foundations: A gutter-free home has no means to stop the water from slipping into the foundations each time it rains. This is why you may start noticing that the floor is uneven in parts of your property. Cracks in the cement are another common sign of foundation problems. The structural problems stemming from a damaged foundation can affect your whole home and put a big dent in your savings.


• Damage to the sidings: You could have a problem if you see that the paint starts peeling off your home's outer walls. In other cases, the sidings absorb enough water to create large stains and discoloration in parts of the wall. Rotten foundations are another common result of moisture buildup which, in turn, creates an unhygienic environment.


• Mold and mildew: One of the most concerning consequences when moisture makes its way to your home's cracks and crevices. When there's no gutter redirecting the rainwater away, it's common to find mold under the roof, around the windowsills, on the building's corners, and harder-to-reach areas. On top of making your property look bad, a mold infestation can cause allergies, infections, and other health complications among the household members.

Some of these issues might be hard to find early on, but the simplest thing is often enough to tip people off when the problem affects an area they know well. It's not hard to find changes in your home's façade or your garden landscaping. And if you get pools of water in any part of your house/yard each time it rains, installing a rain gutter is the best way to get ahead of any issue before it starts causing serious damage.

Should I Install Rain Gutters for My House?

You know your home better than anyone, so the decision is ultimately yours. Still, you can always come to a professional gutter installer with any doubts you may have. If your area doesn't get much rain throughout the year but you still find any of the problems described in the previous section, rain gutters will only bring good things to your home. And if you don't know how to go about installing a rain guttering system, the contractors at Rain Gutters Solution can take that weight off your shoulders.

At Rain Gutters Solution, you'll find the best ally for all your rain guttering needs. Whether you need to repair your current gutters or install your home's first guttering system, we offer a quick response and the best services. You can schedule an appointment with our crew by calling (305) 270-7779 or by filling out our website's contact form. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and tips straight to your inbox.

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