Is It Okay to Not Have Gutters on a Seattle Home?

Gutters are an important part of a home's exterior. Rainwater that’s allowed to run down the sides of your home undirected can damage siding, erode the soil around the base of your home, damage landscaping and eventually lead to foundation damage.

While most homes in Seattle already have gutters because of the frequent rainfall we get all year-round, some may be wondering whether replacing old gutters with new ones is preferable than just getting rid of old gutters altogether.

Are There Advantages of Not Having Gutters?

You could maybe make the argument that not having gutters means less maintenance because you don’t have to clean them. Some homeowners might also appreciate a cleaner roofline that’s not marred by the presence of gutters.

Unfortunately, failing to properly address rain runoff from your roof can be catastrophic for your home’s exterior and its foundation. Any aesthetic benefits, cost savings from not having gutters installed or replaced or time savings from avoiding gutter maintenance are outweighed by the much higher cost of siding replacement, landscaping and lawn damage, exterior painting and the foundation repair bill that will result from not having a proper gutter system installed. 

Cons of Not Having Gutters

• Water Damage Risk: The biggest downside of not having gutters is the increased risk of water damage to the home's exterior as well as the foundation and landscaping. Without gutters to channel rainwater away from the home, water can pool around the foundation, which leads to soil erosion, foundation settlement and structural issues over time.
  
  
• Soil Erosion: Rainwater runoff from the roof can cause soil erosion around the home. This can cause damage to landscaping features, plants and flowers. Without gutters to control the flow of water, homeowners may experience difficulty maintaining their landscaping and preserving their outdoor spaces.
  
  
• Basement Flooding: Homes without gutters are more prone to basement flooding and water infiltration during heavy rainfall events. Without proper drainage away from the home's foundation, rainwater can seep into basements, crawl spaces and lower levels. This could lead to mold growth, water damage and costly repairs.
  
  
• Exterior Damage: Over time, exposure to uncontrolled rainwater can cause damage to the home's exterior, including the siding, fascia, soffit and paint. Without gutters to direct water away from the home, moisture can penetrate the exterior surfaces, which can lead to rot and decay
  
  
• Potential Landscaping Damage: Homes without gutters are at risk of experiencing landscaping damage due to rainwater runoff. Without gutters to channel water away from the home, rainwater can erode soil, wash away mulch and damage plants and flowers near the base of a home. The force of rainwater runoff can also damage grass and create unsightly trenches and gullies in the yard.
  
  
• Pest Infestations: Insects and rodents love moisture and standing water, making homes without gutters more susceptible to pest infestations. Pooled rainwater provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, ants, termites and other pests, increasing the risk of infestation indoors and outdoors.

Schedule a Free Gutter Consultation Today

On paper, not having gutters may appear to offer some benefits in terms of reduced maintenance, cost savings and aesthetic appeal, but in practice, not having gutters on a home in Seattle isn’t really sustainable. The risks of water damage, soil erosion, lawn and landscaping damage and structural issues make having proper gutters a necessity in a city that gets nearly 40 inches of rain each year.

At Chet's Roofing & Construction, we offer professional roofing and gutter services tailored to your home's specific requirements. Contact us today at (877) 611-1514 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your gutter options.