Your home’s foundation may be strong, but it can still become vulnerable to structural damage. Because foundation repairs are so costly, taking steps to avoid water exposure can save you money. A simple way to protect your foundation and keep your home in good working order is to ensure your gutters are working well. It’s not only important to have a good gutter system, but it’s vital that your gutters stay free from clogs to ensure they are functioning properly.
The Importance of Gutters
A gutter’s purpose is to direct rain water and melting snow away from your home. Worn out gutters can cost you. Without gutters, water comes down your roof and rests against your house, which can cause cracks in your foundation. And if more water gets into a fractured foundation, and then it freezes—the cracks can get even larger and require major repairs.
Clogged gutters aren’t able to direct rain or melting snow away from your home, and pooling water that weakens your foundation can result. Gutter replacement and gutter covers give homeowners sound, long-lasting solutions for fluid rainwater and snowmelt drainage.
Without gutters in good working condition, water eventually harms your foundation, creating the need for costly repairs. When gutters work properly, water is sent a safe distance away from your home via a downspout. Gutters are easily installed when you get a new roof, but they can also be installed on their own. If your current gutters are warped or bowed, they need replacing.
What Happens When Gutters Don’t Function Properly
When gutters don’t do their job of draining water away from your home, pooling water adjacent to your home results. Water only pools when the soil beneath it is saturated. The water-logged soil puts a lot of pressure on your home. The pressure can eventually cause cracks.
When water seeps into your foundation, mold can also result. The problem with mold is that it spreads rapidly. Your drywall and flooring can become moldy, and in addition to the need for repairs, mold can negatively impact your health.
When water finally drains away from your home, the soil around your dwelling may erode and lead to your foundation settlement, causing uneven floors, chimney troubles, and cracks in your home’s walls and ceilings.
Some people think that having a foundation warranty exempts them from needing to perform due diligence to keep up with their gutters. A foundation warranty is often not honored if you haven’t kept your gutter system clean and in good working order. If your poorly maintained gutters become the culprit of your foundation problems, you’re likely on your own when it comes to funding their repairs.
Protect Your Home’s Foundation with Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are a wise choice because they are less likely to weaken and leak. The lack of seams also makes them more attractive. Seamless gutters carry water away from your home which prevents moisture pooling and therefore thwarts foundation damage.
The Benefit of Gutter Gekko Gutter Guards
Clogged gutters defeat the purpose of having gutters in the first place. The clogs dam the water up until it spills over the gutter and pools near your home’s foundation. Avoid the hassle of cleaning your gutters by investing in gutter guards. Durable micro mesh gutter guards prevent leaves and other unwanted debris from getting into your gutters and clogging them.
The premier manufacturer of gutter guards in the nation, Gutter Gekko provides a low maintenance solution that gives you high-performing gutters. They block even the smallest bits of debris. Durable Gutter Gekko gutter guards keep your gutters from clogging, and save you from the costly damage that comes with faulty gutters.
Gutters Cleaning
If you don’t have a gutter guard, it’s vital that you clean your gutters twice a year to ensure they are clog free. Inspect your gutters carefully, remove all leaves and debris by hand, and run a garden hose into your gutters to flush out any clogs in your downspouts.
Downspouts and Drainage
The goal of a good gutter system is to channel the water away from your home via the gutters and downspouts. But where does the water go once it travels through the downspouts? Underground drain pipes can direct the water away from your dwelling, or a splash block can divert it away from your foundation. Some people opt for collecting rain and recycling it to use on their garden or landscaping.
Why 6-inch Gutters?
Many contractors install 5-inch gutter systems, but we recommend 6-inch gutters to handle more water and assure you of the best outcome. Bigger is better when it comes to gutter size because it keeps your gutters from overflowing. Gutter materials include aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and vinyl. They have varying degrees of thickness and durability.
Since not all gutters are created equally, it’s important to do your homework and invest in gutters that are wide enough to handle the volume of rainwater from storms in your area. Be sure to choose secure gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from clogging them.
Signs of Improper Gutter Function
- Was the ice or snow load too much for your current gutters, causing them to sag?
- Does rainwater pool in your gutters, causing them to warp, drip, and create water pooling below them?
- Do your current gutters get clogged due to leaf or debris blockage?
- Did your gutters get damaged due to a ladder or outside force crushing them?
Don’t settle for inferior gutter installation.
We’re a local remodeling contractor that serves the Twin Cities community, providing services for the 7 county metro area. We provide gutter replacement you can count on so you can avoid costly foundation damage and repairs. Schedule a free consultation, and in the meantime, check out what others are saying about our services.