While a roof replacement is a great (and often necessary) investment for your home, there’s no denying the fact that it will cost you thousands of dollars. That’s why you want to do everything you can to protect that investment.
Unfortunately, homeowners often overlook one of the most important parts of protecting a roof replacement investment—effective gutters.
Gutter cleaning is typically a twice-annual fact of life for homeowners. It may be an annoying task, but it can make all the difference in a roof that lasts 5 or 10 years vs. 20-30 years.
It may not seem like a big deal at first. However, any clog in the gutter system can cause water to pool. When water pools on your shingles, you risk having it seep under the framework and into your attic. Not only could it lead to interior water damage, but it can cause permanent damage to your roof and force you to replace it sooner than expected.
Another concern, especially in Maryland, is ice dams in the winter months. When heat rises in your home, it will melt the snow on the roof and cause water to run down and freeze at the edge.
While gutters won’t necessarily prevent ice dams, they can alleviate some problems with water freezing and forcing water to back up under shingles. Ice dams, if left unchecked, can damage gutter systems to the point that they fail to protect the roof in the warmer months.
The protection that gutters offer your roof play a vital role in your warranty, as well. Proper maintenance will ensure your roof replacement warranty remains valid, so you don’t have to worry about any surprises when you go to submit a claim.
It’s easy to get caught up in the considerations of a roof replacement. Just don’t overlook the signs that it’s time to upgrade your gutters, too.
If you’re getting ready to invest in a roof replacement, it may be a good time to consider upgrading the gutters as well. You don’t want to invest the money if it’s not necessary, though.
Here are a few signs that it may be time to upgrade your gutters to protect a roof replacement: