If water accumulates around the base or foundation of your home throughout the year, you may not have an overhang around your roof. Overhangs keep rainwater from running down the sides of your home. If you lack an overhang on your home, you can replace it with rain gutters. Learn more about overhangs and how you can use rain gutters to keep your home dry below.

What Are Overhangs?

Overhangs are structures that line the outer edges of a roof, such as awnings, hip roof overhangs, and shed overhangs. The structures prevent water from sliding down the sides of a home and creating puddles around its base. However, not all homes come with the proper overhang. Some homes lack an overhang altogether.

Homes that lack overhangs can be susceptible to water damage during the year. Water can soak into the ground surrounding a home's basement or crawl space, or water can absorb into a home's outer walls, windows, and doors. The damp structures can warp, rot, and even pull away from a home's frame.

If you notice any of the issues above in your home, call a contractor and order rain gutters today.

How Do You Install Rain Gutters?

Rain gutters collect, guide, and empty water away from the home when it rains during the year. Rain gutters generally go around the edges of a roof. Some types of gutters fit along the side of fascia boards or just under the roof's edge. When installed correctly, rain gutters can keep a home dry throughout the year. 

A contractor will ask you to select the type of rain gutters you need for your home. Gutters come in aluminum, vinyl, and stainless steel. All three types of gutters may hold up well in wet environments. If you can't choose gutters for your home, ask a contractor to guide you through the process.

A contractor will assess the edges of your roof before they install your gutters. In order for the gutters to function properly, a contractor must attach them directly to your house. The gutters may not attach to the roof's edge securely if the structure is damaged. If the edges of your roof show signs of damage, a contractor may suggest you fix the issue before you proceed with the installation of your gutters. If the edges of your roof are fine, a contractor will install your gutters. 

Learn more about rain gutters and how to install them on your home by contacting a local company, like Raingutter Specialists. 

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