_____________ serve to protect walls and foundations from roof water runoff.

Gutters play a crucial role in managing roof water runoff by collecting rainwater that flows off the roof and directing it away from the structure. This is important because uncontrolled water runoff can lead to various problems, such as soil erosion, water pooling near the foundation, and potential damage to walls and the foundation itself.

By channeling the water into the gutter system, the risk of water damage to the building is significantly reduced. The design of gutters helps ensure that the water is diverted at a safe distance from the foundation, preventing issues like flooding or structural instability over time.

While downspouts, which transport water from the gutters to the ground, also play an integral part in this system, they do not serve the primary function of protecting walls and foundations from runoff; they are a component of the gutter system itself. Drainage tiles and patios have their specific functions related to managing water but are not directly related to protecting walls and foundations from roof runoff in the same manner as gutters.