Rain gutters are more important than you might realize. Though they can add a nice decorative element to your home, their primary purpose is to prevent mold, mildew, and other water damage. Gutters keep your home in place by directing rainwater away from your siding and foundation.

Also known as continuous gutters, seamless gutters are manufactured from a single piece of material. They have not been partitioned into sections and, therefore, do not require any sealing at the joints or seams. This makes them long-lasting, leak-resistant and low maintenance compared to regular gutters.

The soffit helps regulate your home’s temperature, allowing your roof to “breathe.” Cool, dry air is drawn into the soffit vent, and hot moist air is forced out of roof exhaust vents. The fascia is the attractive board along the side of the overhang and the roof that helps your roof appear finished. Your gutter sits atop the facia board. The fascia is also known as a “transition trim” between the home and the roofline. The fascia supports the shingles and helps to keep moisture out. Your soffit and fascia protect your roof and allow ventilation for your home. These are important components, but they usually don’t get (or require) much attention.

Metal roofs can stand up to nearly anything Mother Nature throws at them, so you’ll find that they come with 30- to 50-year warranties, and often outlast that with lifespans of 40 to 70 years. Metal roofs are not without weaknesses, however: Extreme hail or falling branches could dent a metal roof, as could walking on it improperly. Shingles have a shorter lifespan due to their own unique set of weaknesses. Pooling water and chronically damp conditions can lead to algae and fungus growth, ice dams can create cracks, and temperature spikes between day and night can reduce the life of your shingle roof.