Does My North Carolina Home Really Need Roof Gutters? (And why?)

What Happens If You Don’t Have Roof Gutters?

Roof gutters may appear to be deceptively simple roof fixtures that are there but don’t make a statement. In actuality, every North Carolina home really needs roof gutters! Roof gutters are actually critical roof accessories tasked with ensuring that the quality and strength of your roof never wavers. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or are currently scouring the market for the house of your dreams, it’s always important to be on the lookout for the elements that will keep your house safe and sturdy for years to come.

What Do Gutters Actually Do?

If you live in an area where rainfall is common and the air is never quite that dry, then gutters are a must-have if you want to protect your home. Their function is simple: they control the flow of water that hits your roof and direct it away from the house before it can pool on the surface.

Without gutters, rain water will collect into pockets of moisture that will eventually erode the surface of your rooftop and cause damage over a sustained period of time.

However, it’s also important to note that the upkeep of a roof gutter is as necessary as having one installed. A clogged gutter will not only disrupt the attempted redirection of rainwater, but it will also cause the water to build up faster and in a way that will lead to leaks and breakage.

Having no roof gutters, or plugged roof gutters, can lead to property damage as well. Check out this video of a home where a lot of rain along with missing and damaged gutters are the perfect storm (pardon the pun!) for flooding and disrupting landscaping:

How Water Can Damage Your Roof

There are a few types of roofs that may not need a gutter, such as roofs with significant overhangs, and some types of metal roofs. Also, if you live in a region that has virtually no rainfall you may not need them. The Raleigh, North Carolina region gets an average of 46″ of rain a year. However, a record-breaking 2020 rainfall total of 55″ broke multiple records. According to a January 2021 report by Spectrum News1 in Charlotte NC:

• Last year ranks as the second-wettest for North Carolina based on statewide average rainfall data that dates back to 1895.
• The wettest year on record was just a couple years before in 2018. Flooding rains from Hurricane Florence that year helped make it the wettest year.
• Some of 2020’s wet weather can also be attributed to tropical systems. Hurricane Isaias was the only storm to make direct landfall in the state, but the remnants of another eight tropical systems moved through the state.

Rain is not typically an issue with a properly installed roof and gutters. However, if a little water turns into a continuous stream or torrent that is constantly falling onto your rooftop, then this can inflict a force of water that can hammer into the base of your roof. This repeated motion will slowly erode the surface and seep into the material lining the structure.  The result is an increased risk of leaks and instability.

Gutters also work to direct water to a designated area. This prevents an overflow into lawns, gardens, or flowerbeds, sparing both your roof and your backyard from damage.

You might notice that your roof is about to leak when you pick out water stains on the ceiling. This kind of damage done to the roof will also lead to mold and rot developing in the wood.

Yes, Your North Carolina Home Really Needs Roof Gutters!

Now that you understand the importance of what roof gutters will do for your home, it’s time to decide what kind of gutter will work best for you.

There are different kinds of roof gutters that are classified according to the material, size, and overall shape of the system that will be tailored to your home. It’s important to make sure that you take into account the different factors surrounding the area you live in before you have your gutter installed.

The experts at Cavalry Roofing can come to your location, look over your particular job, and provide you with an estimate to install and/or repair your current gutters. Cavalry Roofing uses only high quality roof gutter materials, and expert installation techniques. Call Chad at (919) 888-1906 today and invest in the future of your home.