A good gutter system is essential when it comes to protecting your home. If not properly channeled, rainwater can take a toll on your home and surroundings, like landscaping,
soil, decking and concrete. Even worse, it could contribute to water in your basement, mold in your walls, and shifting in your home’s foundation. To avoid these headaches, learn more about the ways gutters can protect your home and foundation.
How Water Can Damage Your Foundation
Water causes foundation damage when it’s able to pool around the base of the home. When water flow becomes excessive, it’s up to your gutter system to control the water. If the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water, the soil can expand, eventually putting pressure on the foundation of your house and pushing it inward. It can cause the basement walls to bow inward as well. Too much water can erode soil away, affecting the strength of the ground surrounding your home. This can lead to shifts in your foundation, which can be extremely damaging to your home.
Once the soil dries, it puts less pressure on the foundation, allowing the foundation to settle. This can cause cracks, unevenness and leaning in walls and chimneys. If the foundation is cracked or weakened and water continues to pool around the house, it can result in flooding, as well as mold growth in your walls.
Pooling water around your home can cause other serious issues year round. Without adequate water flow, standing water leads to an influx of mosquitoes in the summer, and once winter arrives, the water can freeze, leading to dangerous conditions on your driveways, walkways and patios. A proper, well-maintained gutter system will ensure your home is safe from these water issues.
How Gutters Help
Gutters catch water as it rolls off your roof and directs it to a downspout, which leads the water a safe distance from your home into a more extensive drainage system. Regular maintenance and cleaning is key to keeping your gutters in good shape. When gutters are cracked, clogged, or pulling away from your home, your home and foundation is at risk for serious water damage. If your gutter system is damaged, the water that runs off your roof can end up falling directly to your home’s foundation.
Gutters and Downspouts
Make sure your gutters are clean of leaves and debris so water can easily run through them. Your downspouts should be draining at least 10 feet from your home. Consider extending your downspouts if necessary so they’re directing the water away from your foundation, not pouring it right next to your home.
Don’t assume your gutter system is working properly without doing your due diligence. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are working and maintained to protect the foundation of your home!