Homeowners are currently facing rising costs virtually everywhere they look. Whether it is higher energy costs, higher grocery costs, or higher insurance premiums, the impacts on a household budget can seem overwhelming. With this said, it is common for homeowners to look at other areas to cut their costs. One example of this may be whether or not to install a gutter system on the home. Therefore, it is not uncommon for clients to ask us whether they truly need gutters installed on their homes. To keep it simple, the answer is a resounding YES! Of course, a new gutter system on your home will not garner the same aesthetic attention as new countertops or flooring, but it will certainly perform a very important job for your home. We share some important facts about gutters below.
Important facts about gutters
- Function: Rain water can be quite detrimental to a home’s foundation. If a home does not have gutters, run off from the rain can simply flow down the sides of the house causing massive erosion at your home’s foundation. Ultimately, the slightly sloped ground that typically carries water away from your home will now be sloped back towards the home. This ultimately leads to erosion issues and can cause your home’s foundation to settle.
- Downspouts: If the function of a gutter system were a relay race, the downspout would have the important job of being the anchor leg (or last leg) in the race. In other words, as the gutter system collects all the rain water from the roof, it travels to the various downspouts where it is ultimately sent down and away from the home. This is what ultimately reduces the risk of erosion and settling of your home’s foundation.
- Maintenance: Like most things around the home, it is important to maintain your gutters in order for them to continue functioning correctly. This can be done by visually inspecting your gutters and clearing out any leaves or other debris that may accumulate and ultimately clog up your gutters. In addition, it is important to look for any cracks and checking any joints or seals. Of course, if you are in a two-story home, it may be best to have a professional maintain your gutters for you periodically.
- Average cost: In Florida, the average cost of having a gutter system installed on your home will vary greatly depending on the type of materials used (i.e. sectional aluminum vs copper, etc…) and how large the home is. Typically, the range can be anywhere from $400 to over $3,000. Nonetheless, it will be money well spent for the overall life of the home.
Summary
In closing, a home is typically the largest investment most Americans will make in their lives. With this said, it is important to protect this investment. For this reason, a gutter system should be part of any homeowner’s budget. In particular, in parts of the country such as Florida that receive a lot of rain, it does not take very long for rain water to wreak havoc on a home’s foundation. If you currently do not have gutters installed on your home, we highly recommend budgeting for this important feature.
Are you looking to buy or sell real estate in South Florida? We can help! Contact our friendly team at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! While you are at it, don’t forget to download the free Florida Home Search app for your mobile device as well.
