Arizona is famous for receiving very little rain throughout the year. As an arid climate, annual precipitation in the southwest of the state is only about 3 inches. In other areas, like the White Mountains, rain is still very low — only about 40 inches per year. With such low rain levels, you might question whether Arizona roofs need rain gutters. But even small drops of rain can do damage. If raindrops are falling on your head, you might need to install gutters.
What is the Purpose of Rain Gutters On A House?
Rain gutters are long, tube-like devices, usually made of metal, that are fixed to the edge of a roof. Their main use is to catch rainwater as it falls on your roof and direct it away from your home’s foundation. Gutters are also important for keeping your roof free of debris such as leaves. If debris does build up on your roof, it can cause rotting, rusting, or other damage to your home.
Are Rain Gutters Really Necessary?
The short answer here is yes. Rain gutters are necessary because they’ll act as an added level of safety for your home. Even if you live in a dry climate, one bad storm could do serious damage to your home’s structure. Every home should have some sort of gutter system installed.
Why Do Some Roofs Not Have Gutters?
There are three main reasons why some roofs don’t have gutters:
- A Steep Roof: A roof with a very steep slope and a long overhang doesn’t really need gutters because it’s already redirecting the rain from your house on its own. Steep roofs easily guide water, and an overhang longer than a foot will effectively keep water from damaging your home’s foundation.
- Dry Climate: A lot of homes in states like Arizona and Utah don’t have gutters because of a dry climate. Homebuilders believe that it isn’t worth the cost of installing gutters because the threat of heavy rain is so low. However, the cost of installing gutters is much less than the cost of fixing structural damage to your home caused by heavy rains.
- Old Home: Any home that’s over 80 years old might not have gutters. This is because gutters weren’t widely used that long ago and builders didn’t automatically install them. So, if your home is older and doesn’t have gutters, it could just be that they were never installed in the first place.
How Much do Gutters Cost in AZ?
The cost of rain gutters in Arizona depends on the material that you use and the number of gutters that you need. Copper gutters are the most expensive, while steel or aluminum gutters are a more budget-friendly option. Taking this into account, the average cost of gutters in Arizona is anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500.
Do Gutters Add Value to A Home?
Installing new gutters will add value to your home. Not only does it extend your house’s lifespan and improve functionality, but it also adds cosmetic appeal. Using updated technology and high-quality materials will give you an even bigger return.
Schedule A Free Roofing Estimate
If you do decide to install gutters in your home, make sure to choose the right contractor. At Roofstar Arizona, we have an experienced team of rain gutter and roofing contractors in Mesa, Arizona. We are a family-owned business that has your best interest at heart, and we’ll never sell you something you don’t need. Give us a call today at (480) 426-1915 to get a free roofing estimate where one of our team members will tell you the truth about your roof.