Learn more about your gutter system – its importance in a home, the most common sources of problems, and ways to maximize its use – in this three-part series.

3. Gutters are an important part of the roofing system. However, not
everyone has a complete understanding of how gutters work. Many
tend to think that gutters perform a simple function, i.e., they keep
the rain from falling straight down onto the people below on a rainy
day. While this may be a good reason to install gutters, a gutter system
actually has a more important role than just keeping you from being
drenched.
THE ROLE OF GUTTERS
Gutters have been around since the Roman Empire. The Romans knew
the importance of collecting water, and gutters were one of the best
waystocollectrainwater.Duringthisperiod,collectingwatermightwell
have been the main function of gutters, but through the years gone by,
this has gradually evolved. Today the most compelling reasons to have
gutters installed in your home are:
To Direct Rain Water Properly
During the Roman Empire, gutters were used to direct rainwater from
the roof into a collection facility. Although this is still being practiced
in some countries, gutters in the US mostly direct water away from the
roof, into a central drainage system, allowing for proper disposal. This
prevents water from going to parts of the roof and home that can be
easily damaged when drenched and exposed to so much moisture.
PART I - ROLE OF GUTTERS

4. Protect and Maintain the Integrity of a Building
When water collects and pools on the roof, it can seep through cracks
and make its way into the foundation of the home or building. This can
weaken the home’s foundation, compromising its structural integrity.
This can result to costly foundation repair work and repairs.
Prevent Diseases by Preventing Insect Infestations
You are probably already aware that insects and small animals thrive in
places where there is dirty, stagnant water.Without gutters, the force of
rain coming from the roof will eventually create cracks in the pavement
or holes in the ground where water can become stagnant. Insects love
this and sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with insect infestation that
can harm not only your property but your family, too.
Now that you’re aware of the roles that gutters play and how important
they really are, you might already be thinking of how you can ensure that
your gutters don’t have a problem. In the next part, we’ll discuss possible
sources of gutter problems.
PART I - ROLE OF GUTTERS

6. Atthispoint,youprobablyalreadyknowthatguttersplayamajorrolein
keeping your home structurally safe and in preventing the outbreak of
disease. It’s now time to discuss how you can best maintain your gutter
system. The first step in doing this is to know how to look for possible
sources of problems.
Gutters are made from a wide variety of materials. In fact, there is no
international standard when it comes to gutters, although different
organizations have their specific preferences. Without a standard, it can
be difficult to prescribe “one size, fits all” instructions on maintaining
gutter systems. However, if you learn at least a little about how gutters
are connected to your roof, you might have a better general idea of
where gutter problems could originate.
The following are some of the possible sources of gutter problems.
GUTTER LEVELING
When the gutter is perfectly level with the roof, or not correctly sloped
towards the downspout, water can remain stagnant. The same can also
happen if the gutter is sloped just in one direction or if it sags in the
middle. If you see stagnant water in your gutter, check that it slopes
correctly and is free of obstructions.
PART II - POSSIBLE SOURCES OF GUTTER PROBLEMS

7. OBSTRUCTIONS
Leaves, bird nests, and pieces of roofing tiles – or waste and debris in
general – can get stuck in the gutters, which can obstruct water flow.
When water collects and becomes stagnant, it can damage the gutter. If
this condition remains unchecked, you’ll eventually face costly repairs.
You should clear your gutters of obstructions periodically, especially if
there are trees near the home, and overhanging branches and leaves
are perennially falling onto the roof.
ANCHORS
Improperinstallationcouldmeanthatyourguttersmaynotbeanchored
to the roof correctly or could come loose because of strong winds. If
you live in a windy area or one that is prone to hurricanes and other
weatherdisturbances,youshouldcheckifyourguttersarestillanchored
properly – otherwise, the next gust of wind may tear it off altogether.
Now that you know where to look for possible gutter problems, you’ll be
able to save a good amount of money on repair costs. However, are your
gutters functioning effectively? In the next part, we’ll discuss how you can
maximize the use of your gutters.
PART II - POSSIBLE SOURCES OF GUTTER PROBLEMS

9. By now, you probably already understand the basic concept of gutters
and how you can maintain them by regularly checking for common
sources of issues and potential damage. However, you might still be
wondering if you’re maximizing the use of your gutters. In the final part
of this series, we’ll discuss some of the ways you can ensure that your
gutters are working efficiently and that you get that most out of its
performance.
Check the width of the gutter relative to the size of the roof
Guttersmaynothaveinternationalstandards,butdifferentorganizations
do. One of these organizations is the United Nations International
Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Since they are concerned about
thewelfareofchildrenworldwide,theypublishstandardswhenitcomes
to the construction of homes and buildings. Among these standards is
the size and width of the gutter relative to the roof size.
According to UNICEF, roofs that have sizes of 50, 60, or 70 square meters,
should have gutter widths of 12, 13, and 14 centimeters respectively.
Meanwhile, the outlet drains should have a diameter of 6.5 centimeters.
Forroofareaswith80,90,or100squaremeters,thegutterwidthsshould
be 15, 16, and 17 centimeters respectively, while the diameter of the
outlet drains should be 7.5 centimeters.
PART III - WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF YOUR

10. Check the depth of the gutter
Theidealdepthofagutterishalfofthegutterwidth.Forinstance,agutter
with a width of 12 centimeters should have a depth of 6 centimeters.
Check if the gutter is collecting water properly
Therearetwomaintypesofgutters:semi-circularshapedandgalvanized
iron with closed ends. To collect water from the roof properly, semi-
circular shaped gutters should be slanted a little towards the roof, while
galvanized iron gutters should have one side that is higher than the end
of the roof.You should also make sure that the gutter has enough open
space between the roof end and the side of the gutter. If it is placed too
closely to the roof end, water can simply spill over the gutter.
Gutters are indeed a very important part of the roofing system, which is
why every homeowner should make sure they’re in top condition at all
times. However, if you’re uncomfortable with heights or do not have the
necessary safety equipment, it’s best to call a professional to perform
the needed inspections and repairs.
PART III - WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAXIMIZE THE USE OF YOUR

11. Maggio Roofing
6476 Sligo Mill Rd
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(800) 766-3495
1-800-ROOF-495
MaggioRoofing.com