Have you recently installed a storage shed in your backyard? Do you live in a high-rainfall area? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then you may be wondering if your shed needs a guttering system.
If you’re planning the gutter replacement Melbourne residents are opting for before the rainy season starts, then it may be a good idea to include your tool or storage shed in these plans. This post takes a look at a few of the benefits of adding a guttering system to your shed, barn, garage, or other structure on your property.
All Roofed Structures Need Gutters
It’s not uncommon for many of us to disregard the importance of adding gutters to the smaller, seemingly irrelevant structures we have standing around on our properties. After all, isn’t it only important for the main house to have gutters? Here are a few top reasons why gutters are essential on all roofed structures.
Prevent Damage to the Stored Items
A sturdy roof is often not enough to protect your shed contents from water damage. Many people associate water damage with huge pools of water getting into the space at once. However, it doesn’t always happen like that.
Water damage in sheds usually happens when small quantities of continuous water run down into the shed and onto your belongings or onto the shed floor. A lack of ventilation combined with the Australian climate causes the water to evaporate and form condensation. This moisture build-up can lead to mold build-up and can also cause certain tools to corrode or rust.
Adding a guttering system to your shed redirects water from the roof to a designated area and away from the inside of your shed. This will reduce the formation of condensation and mold.
Increases the Lifespan of Your Shed
Whether your shed is as old as your house or a recent addition, chances are you’d like it to last a few more years before you need to replace it. While it’s true that the lifespan of your shed depends on the materials used to build it, you shouldn’t ignore the damage pooled water can cause.
Damage doesn’t only happen on the roof itself, but also on the foundation. This happens when water runs down the sides of the shed walls and pools at the base or foundation. This can lead to significant damage to your shed from the bottom up as well as seep into the shed, damaging anything that’s standing on the floor.
A quality guttering system will enable you to direct water away from the foundation of your shed. Additionally, gutter joints also protect the exposed parts of your shed, reducing the likelihood of rust and corrosion.
Create the Perfect Rainwater Harvesting System
In drier parts of Australia, rainwater harvesting is essential. However, you don’t have to live in a water-scarce area to invest in this water-conservation system. All you need is a water tank and a solid guttering system.
Water from your shed roof is collected via the gutters and fed into the water tank. Many homeowners in high-rainfall areas opt to increase the number of tanks they have. In this instance, one tank will serve as a catchment tank while others are for storage.
This water can then be used to water your garden, crops, or other outdoor functions. By having a filtration system added to the tanks, you may also be able to use the water indoors such as in the toilets or for cleaning. Harvesting rainwater goes along toward reducing your overall water bill as well as your home’s dependency on the main water line.
Variety of Guttering Options
Another huge plus of adding a guttering system to your shed or any other outdoor structure is that there is a wide range of options to choose from. This means that you won’t have to use the same large, costly gutters that you have in your home.
Many Australians opt for the more streamlined mini-line gutters that are designed for smaller structures such as sheds. These gutters have a smaller profile resemble quad guttering and have a flat back that easily fits onto fascia boards. Usually, the gutters are secured with external or concealed brackets.
A huge plus with mini-line guttering is that it’s ideal for heavy rainfall areas and offers a larger volume of catchment. Overflows are designed in the front of the gutter. This setup also makes for an excellent water harvesting system. Your installer will also be able to customize this system to suit the exact needs of your shed.
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Final Thoughts
It’s clear that there are a few good reasons to install gutters in your sheds and garages. Not only will they prevent potential water damage, but they form an excellent rainwater harvesting system. Since you can opt for the smaller mini-line gutters, finding the perfect drainage solution is easier than you think. Speak to your local roofer to include an assessment when you do your next roofing inspection. You’ll be glad you did!