When you first move into a new home, you probably have visions of all sorts of renovations and minor additions you can make to truly make it feel like your property. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing that, there are some additions that you should make which are more than just personalizing your home, but rather protecting it from future problems. If your home does not have gutter covers or gutter guards, then you should absolutely prioritize that first. It may not seem all that important, but here are a few reasons why it is vital for the longevity of your home.
Protection From Too Much Weight During Winter
If you live in an area of America that experiences snow, as so many parts do, then you know just how heavy it can be when it builds up. Most gutters are not prepared to hold that much weight for too long, which is why gutter covers are so useful. They help disperse chunks of ice that slide down your roof and enter your gutter, rather than letting them fall straight into it, blocking the gutter completely and letting it get more frozen over. This reduces the chance of an overload and a collapsed gutter, which is the last thing you want in the middle of winter.
Reduces Fire Risk
On the other end of the spectrum, gutters can be a goldmine during the summer when it comes to potential fire hazards. Lots of leaves and twigs can get stuck in gutters and, if it hasn't rained for a while, they dry out and become kindling that only needs a tiny ember to catch fire. If you are in a fire-prone area, you should try and do everything possible to keep your house from catching fire, and reducing the amount of flammable material on your roof is a big part of that.
Better For Everyday Use
Even if you don't live in a particularly hazardous area where it never snows and fires are not a major concern, then gutter covers are still useful. Twigs, leaves, branches, seeds, and all other types of debris can block up any gutter no matter where you live, and this can create impromptu dams that allow water to spill unevenly over the sides of your gutter. This can affect the facade of your building, prematurely aging the paint and causing mold or mildew to appear, which can be a costly fix. Gutter covers fix that risk and let the rainwater flow naturally down its intended path.
