A good roof and downspouts increase the value of your home, but can damage gutters decrease the value? In some cases, yes. Damaged gutters or shingles can decrease the value of your home by as much as 10%. Additionally, a well-maintained lawn increases the value of your home by between five and ten percent. According to Hermann London, maintaining the exterior of your home has a return on investment (ROI) of 100 percent.
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The Purpose of Gutters & Downspouts
Whether you’re thinking about renovating your home or are considering the cost of installing a new gutter system, there are a few things you need to consider. Besides looking good, gutters direct water away from the home’s foundation, minimizing water damage. When installed properly, gutters and downspouts also improve your home’s efficiency, minimize risks and improve cost-effectiveness. In addition, if you have a basement, rainwater can damage your property by creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Moreover, if you don’t have gutters, water will collect on your property’s roof, which attracts various kinds of insects and their breeding cycle. This can cause a host of problems, including waterlogged plants, trees, and concrete. Furthermore, if your downspouts are clogged, water can back up onto the roof, which may damage your home’s structure.
How To Recognize Gutter Problems
While your rain gutters are a major component of your home’s exterior, they can also cause numerous other problems. If you have water stains on the outside of your home, peeling paint around your foundation, and soft drywall, you may have a serious gutter problem. Most homeowners are unaware that a faulty rain gutter is to blame for these problems. Gutter systems keep water from accumulating near the roofline and direct it toward downspouts, which are located at the corners of your home. This water is then channeled away from your foundation and onto your lawn or driveway.
In addition to these obvious problems, gutters can also suffer from bird and squirrel damage. Birds often nest in gutters, compromising their efficiency and effectiveness. If you notice scurrying birds and squirrels in your gutters, you may have a gutter problem. Fortunately, if you catch these problems in time, you can fix them before they become major problems. Listed below are some of the most common gutter problems, along with their signs and solutions.
How do gutters impact home value?
Your gutters may seem like an insignificant part of your home, but they play an important role in the value of your house. Whether your gutters are new or old, they must be in good condition to maximize your home’s value. Even if your gutters are old, you must consider investing in newer and more effective models. Here are some of the benefits of installing new gutters:
First of all, your gutters provide vital protection to the exterior structure of your home. When they’re damaged, they’ll leak and cause damage to your siding and exterior paint. If it continues, it can even cause eroding of the foundation. Deteriorated paint and siding are less appealing and will lower your home’s value. Gutters can also be a source of pride for you, so make sure you maintain them to make your home look good.
What to do when gutters are damaged
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply want to maximize its resale value, gutters are an important part of the home exterior. Whether they’re clean and functioning, they may blend in with the rest of the exterior and not get much attention. But when they’re damaged or missing, the problem is much more serious. Buyers may perceive damaged gutters as an indication of poor maintenance and think twice about making an offer. Or they may think the cost of gutter replacement will drive down the price.
Besides causing interior damage, gutters can lead to flooding and mold growth, as well as possible costly foundation repairs. It can also cause insect infestations and ruin the curb appeal of a home. If the gutters are not installed properly, they can cause puddles and canals that disrupt the root system of plants and ruin landscaping. Ultimately, these issues can lower your home’s value. If the gutters aren’t replaced, you’ll end up paying more on your insurance bill.
