08/16/2025
Most people don't think about it but there are three parts to the rain collection system protecting your home. The topmost part would be gutter guards of some type. The second would be the water directing part which would be your gutters. The third part is your water deposit system.
We deal with the water deposit system or the lower end but want to talk about the top end for just a minute. There are several different styles of guards that help keep debris out of your gutter system. There are several different companies that specialize in gutter guards. Just turn on your television and you will see the advertisements. All have their good points and their bad points. None are foolproof. Some types clog with debris themselves then allow water to flow over the top and not enter the gutter creating a problem of it's own. Some send water right over the top during heavy downpours. Some are harder to clean than cleaning gutters without them in place.
Are we against using gutter guards? Not at all. We like when gutter guards are in place but just won't recommend which type, brand or company to use if you are in the market for them. The other part we do not like about them is the companies that install them always talk about financing in their commercials. Are you kidding me? They really are not all that expensive to have to offer financing.
We do not make or install the gutters themselves but there are many companies to choose from that do. We also do not recommend any particular company as they are all are providing the same product, as long as they are seamless gutters, and have competitive pricing. You choose the company and the color, make a call and you have gutters.
We deal in the bottom end, or the water deposit system, which could be considered the most important part of the system. Long tailpipes laying on top of the ground are unsightly, are a trip hazard, have to be removed to cut the lawn and then replaced which is a pain. To keep the ground from washing out where they end a splash block is needed which is also unsightly and is an obstacle for lawn maintenance. Then the most important element, is the water being directed far enough away from the foundation of your home. Downspouts without tailpipes or with just an elbow at the bottom are allowing rainwater to be deposited right at and on your foundation. Not good! This will wear away at the foundation over time. If your foundation has any fissures or cracks the water will flow through them as water takes the path of least resistance. Foundation repair is one of the most costly repairs to make on a home.
The point we are trying to make is please do not just think of the gutter guards or just the gutters themselves, but put some thought into where the water is going and consider the bottom end also. It really is a three part system working together to protect the investment you have made in your home.
If you are interested in having us look at your downspouts we would be happy to stop by and see what you are dealing with. We will give you a quote that will not change, not an estimate of what the job will cost to run your downspouts underground. Our pricing is very easy to understand and there is no need for financing!
Call 517-612-5553 or message us on Face Book.
