If you have a home in Las Vegas that doesn’t have gutters, you might be wondering if they’re really all that necessary. After all, Las Vegas is a desert climate that experiences very little rain overall, and having new gutters installed on your home can cost upwards of several thousand dollars. You might be considering saving this money and forgoing them altogether, but before you make your decision, you should be aware of what gutters can do to protect your home.
In Southern Nevada? Request a free estimate on gutter installation >>
What Are the Reasons for Gutters?
Gutters and downspouts are designed to collect rainwater from your roof and direct it away from your home so that it doesn’t seep into your foundation. Gutters also help keep water from pooling in your yard as well as your neighbors’ yards. Without them, water would be allowed to collect in low-lying areas and eventually destroy lawns, plants, flowers, shrubs, and other vegetation. Along with ruining your landscaping, uncontrolled rainwater can also create ditches under the eaves of your home. This is because water will be allowed to fall directly from the eaves whereas, with gutters, that water would be redirected safely away from your house.
What Happens If a House Has No Gutters?
When a house has no gutters, you risk a variety of complications, including:
Erosion
Without gutters, you will experience a direct downpour of water on your property. The rainwater will slowly erode the soil around your home and cause the foundation to settle, negatively impacting its structural integrity. Foundation damage can cause a host of problems like warped and uneven flooring and cracked walls, issues that will be very expensive for you to fix.
Mold
Excessive moisture in your home can result in a buildup of mold. Mold growth will not only destroy your home but is also hazardous to your health. If you notice mold anywhere on your property, it is essential to have a professional address the situation before it progresses. With gutters, you can greatly reduce your chances of unexpected mold growth by directing water away from your home.
Siding damage
Dirt, roof particles, and other debris will stream down your siding when gutters aren’t in place. This will not only greatly stain the siding, but it may also begin to rot over time, creating holes in the material. To protect your home, you will need to repair or replace the siding, which can cost thousands of dollars depending on the material and the size of your home.
Flooding
If you have a basement, you should be worried about flooding. This is because as water damages your foundation, it will begin to crack, giving water the chance to leak into your basement. You might not even know your foundation is damaged right away—so all it will take is one good rainstorm, and you’ll have a flood on your hands. To avoid mold buildup, water should not be allowed to sit for long periods of time. Have a professional address a flood as soon as possible.
Related: Do Metal Roofs Need Gutters?
Do I Really Need Gutters on My House in Las Vegas?
If you’re still not convinced that you need gutters on your home, you might consider the cost of a one-time gutter installation over the costs of having to repair parts of your home that could become damaged by water exposure. HomeAdvisor lists these average repair costs that might affect a U.S. homeowner:
- Water damage repair: $2,559
- Siding install: $9,144
- Foundation repair: $4,158
- Mold removal: $2,235
Installing gutters is much more cost-effective than having to deal with these repairs and others caused by excessive moisture. The national average for a new gutter installation is between $600 and $2,400, not including material, and can vary depending on the scope of the project.
Living in Las Vegas presents many roofing challenges. Gutters is just one of the considerations a homeowner should make. To learn more about how you can protect your home, contact the Original Roofing Company today.
