Basics about Gutters for Homeowners in the West Des Moines, IA, Area
Gutters are an architectural component of almost every house, and yet many homeowners in the West Des Moines, Iowa, area don’t truly understand how beneficial they are, or how they work. Gutters are long, narrow troughs that are used to redirect rainwater and snowmelt away from a home or building. The gutter funnels rainwater to the downspout and ultimately to the ground, directing it away from the home so it can’t damage your foundation.
Damage from Ineffective Gutters
When gutters are not functioning at their best, rainwater runs off the roof of the house and collects on the ground near your home’s foundation. The standing pools of water that result can cause a plethora of problems for your West Des Moines, IA, area home, including:
- Infestation of mosquitoes and other insects that breed in standing pools of water
- Flooding of your home and basement
- Staining and decaying of your home’s exterior walls, soffit and fascia, wood framing, and even patios and walkways
- Erosion of the topsoil that protects the foundation of your home
Required Maintenance
In order to keep your gutter system working efficiently, you should clean it in both spring and autumn. The slope of your gutters may also need to be adjusted on occasion to keep water moving toward the downspouts, roughly at a rate of ¼ inch for every 10 feet. It is also important to check downspouts for rust, peeling paint, flaking, and cracks, and make sure they are securely attached to the fascia boards.
Where to Find Dependable Gutters
When you’re ready to have new gutters installed, turn to Gutter Helmet of Minnesota for reliable, aesthetically appealing gutter systems that are made to last a lifetime. Our exclusive GenGo gutters are made from heavy-duty materials that can stand up to the heaviest downpours and snowfall likely to occur in this area, as well as strong winds. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors, so you can be proud of the way they look on your home. To eliminate the tedious upkeep, we offer our innovative Gutter Helmet gutter covers, which prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging your new gutters, so you don’t have to clean them.
For more information about our gutters and best-selling gutter protection products for your home in West Des Moines, IA, or a nearby community, contact Gutter Helmet of Minnesota today.