General introduction on roof gutters
Having a home is a boon and a bane. On one hand you can enjoy the lifestyle you want, have a garden around your main building and grow carrots and tulips; on the other hand you have to ensure that every part of your house is well-maintained.
Roof gutters are the horizontal metal part of the system that is usually installed along the eave edges of your roof. There are pipes which are attached to these roof gutters which are open at the top to catch the flowing rainwater. These roof gutters allow this rainwater to flow down to the reservoir underneath which is created for rain-water harvesting. Hence roof gutters are often known as rain gutters.
If there is no reservoir created to accumulate the rain water, then it goes to the gutter which connects to the main sewer line of the area.
Today on World water day, let’s pledge to save each drop of water and keep our leaking taps repaired. Keeping our rain gutters clean can go a long way in saving the planet. Onduline is committed to provide you with the best roofing solutions for terrace.
Why is roof gutter cleaning essential?
- Saves roofs from damage- When rain water accumulates in clogged gutters, it will start to collect on the bottom of the roof. If there is a wooden reinforcement in the roofing structure, it will start rotting. There will be growth of mold, and also structural damage. The water might even start seeping in through the leaks and can crack and damage your building structure.
- Keeps pests and insects at bay- Sticks, leaves, dust and other particles which fly in the air cause this blocking. Clogged gutters are a breeding ground for insects, cockroaches, termites, pests, bacteria and all types of microorganisms. Since clogged gutters are dirty, you will find mosquito larvae swimming in that dirty water which can spread malaria, dengue and other such diseases.
- Damage to fascia- Fascia is the long, straight board running along your roof’s lower edge. It is located right behind your roof gutter, and if your gutters are overflowing, they will spill water over the fascia board. This will damage the fascia board and it will start rotting. The cost of replacing the fascia board is much higher than keeping your roof gutters clean.
- Protecting your landscape- Clogged gutters can destroy your landscaping and gardens. After the water is carried from your roof to the gutter on the soil and if the gutter cleaning is not done, then water will spill off in random places and overflow your garden beds. Your plants will receive excess water and will get spoilt. Your meticulously planted bushes and shrubs will be spoiled and your pansies and daisies will die.
- Avoid rodents- If rain gutters are not cleaned regularly, it becomes a home for rodents too. They will dig hole in the soil underneath and make your foundation weak. They might even burrow into the wooden planks of the foundation bed and destroy them. Again, it is much cheaper to keep the rain gutters clean than spending money to repair the foundation.
- Avoid cracks in the foundation- Water can impact your home’s foundation adversely. If the gutters and downspouts do not properly direct rain water away from the main building, the water will saturate near the groundstarting to damage the plinth and the foundation over years. Excess ground moisture will start impacting the concrete laid in the foundation, and if this situation is rectified in time, it will do massive damage to your building’s foundation.
Why are roof gutters important in roofing?
Roof gutters prevent water dripping or flowing off roofs in an uncontrolled manner. They prevent the walls from getting damaged in the main structure as well the parapet of your roof if you have a flat concrete terrace. It also safeguards people standing below the entrance of your main building during the rains. Rain gutters direct the water to a suitable disposal site where it does not damage the foundation of the building.
It is all the more important if you have a flat roof. Since the rain water cannot flow out through the slope of your terrace, it will get accumulated on the roof. The weight will damage the structure and the stagnant water will breed mosquitoes and other pests.
Benefits of using roof gutters and cleaning it regularly
- Increases roof’s life span
- Reduces damages to the house
- Gutter cleaning saves money by protecting the landscape, fascia board and your building’s foundation.
- Reduces spread of diseases by not allowing water to get stagnant.
- Helps in rainwater harvesting.
- Keeps rodents and pests at bay.
How does Onduline provide solutions for your roofs?
Onduline lightweight purlins are perfect for constructing all types of roofs for your home. The steel used in these purlins does not tend to warp with age and it is perfect for providing support to the Onduline tiles and sheets. The high-quality finish makes it look good and you can create a terrace garden there. Onduline provides you with some of the best roofing sheets in India as mentioned below-
- Onduvilla- These roof tiles can sit perfectly on the roofing truss system made out of the purlins. To add to your happiness, you will get them in eight magnificent colors to match the color scheme of your primary building’s outdoor paint.
- Onduline Tiles- Onduline tiles offer exceptional thermal comfort and they will keep your electricity bills low and also have excellent acoustic comfort. Onduline tiles offer excellent waterproofing, and all your expensive furniture and artifacts will be safe in your home.
- Onduline Classic and Duro 325- These corrugated sheets are extremely lightweight and will look amazing on the top of your terrace. Available in four mesmerizing colors, they will make your neighbors go green with envy.
Conclusion on importance of roof gutter
Now since you are aware of the problems which can occur if roof gutters are not cleaned properly on a regular basis, you should start doing it right away. Give a call to our Onduline experts if you need suggestions about roofing solutions for the terrace.