Many homeowners are concerned about how long their roofs can last without gutters. While gutters may not seem like an essential part of a roof, they actually play a vital role in extending the life of your roof.
In this blog post, we will be taking a closer look at why gutters are so important and how long a roof can last when the gutters are in disrepair. As you read, be mindful of the current health of your gutters and adjust timelines accordingly.
The Importance of Gutters
Gutters play an important role in protecting your roof from water damage. When it rains, water runs off of your roof and into the gutters. The gutters then redirect the water away from your home, helping to prevent water damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping.
If your gutters are not functioning properly, the water will run off of your roof and onto the ground next to your home. This can cause serious problems, including:
• Erosion around the foundation of your home, which can create instability over time
• Water damage to your landscaping, which can be costly to repair and create an eyesore for your neighborhood
• Leaks in your basement or crawlspace, which can damage furnaces and any items you might have in storage
• Rotted trim and siding, which can affect the look and stability of your home and give way to…
• Mold and mildew growth, both of which create a potentially unhealthy environment and one that’s costly to repair
All of these problems can lead to expensive repairs. In some cases, they can even cause significant structural damage to your home. As such, it is important to keep your gutters clean and in good repair at all times.
How Long Will a Roof Last Without Gutters?
While gutters are an important part of extending the life of your roof, you may be wondering how long you can go without them before you start experiencing problems. The answer depends on a number of factors, including:
• The type of shingles on your roof, which can range from asphalt shingles to metal and a variety of options
• The slope of your roof, where a more gradual slope takes the water further away from the structure as opposed to the steep roof that deposits it close to the structure and gives it an easier route to the foundation
• The amount of rainfall you receive each year (Phoenix may not be a problem, but Seattle, not so much)
On average, most roofs will last between 20 and 30 years without gutters. However, if you live in an area with high rainfall or have a steeply sloped roof, you may start experiencing problems after just 10 years.
If you live in an area with moderate rainfall and have a gently sloped roof, you may be able to go 20 or more years without any problems. Ultimately, it is best to err on the side of caution and have gutters installed as soon as possible.
That’s because they are particularly hard to keep track of. Few people note the day that they started experiencing gutter problems. If treated like one of those “get around to it” repairs, it’s quite easy for some of the damages mentioned above to take effect before you realize it.
Gutters Are Not Just For Decoration
Gutters play an important role in protecting your roof from water damage. Without gutters, water will run off of your roof and onto the ground next to your home, causing serious problems like erosion around the foundation, leaks in your basement, rotted trim and siding, and mold and mildew growth.
Most roofs will last 20-30 years without gutters; however, if you live in an area with high rainfall or have a steeply sloped roof, you may start experiencing problems after just 10 years. To extend the life of your roof and avoid expensive repairs, it is best to have gutters installed as soon as possible.
But you also want to make sure they’re done right. That’s where East Texas Roof Works can really help. For many years, we’ve served this area’s homeowners and businesses, and we’re ready to show you what we can do. Call today for a free estimate.
