Why Gutters are Vital to Protecting Your Home’s Foundation

Gutters are one of those things that we usually don’t think about until we see a big problem, like pulling away from the house, leaking, or even the late-stage effects of water damage. But being proactive is really the only way to keep your gutters functioning correctly, safeguarding your home’s foundation against water damage.

Why Gutters are Important

All of the water that hits the surface of your roof will be coming down to collect in the gutters. So, for example, if your area gets an inch of rain and your roof is around an average of 1,000 square feet, your roof will displace 600 gallons of water. And that water needs to move away from your home fast to avoid damage. That’s where gutters come in. If your home’s gutters are performing correctly, they will take the massive amount of water displaced by your roof and ensure that it doesn’t pour down to your home’s foundation.

Foundation Damage from Faulty Gutters

When gutters fail, rainwater will pool around your home, and the soil will begin to erode. As the soil becomes saturated, it expands, and when the water dries, the soil contracts. At that point, the soil no longer supports the building leading to foundation issues. Additionally, pooled water can seep into your foundation, causing structural damage as well as mold and mildew in the basement. And with standing water also comes the added irritation of insects and pests surrounding your home. If your house gets to this point, the foundation repairs will likely cost over $10,000.

Size Matters and Maintaining Your Gutters

First, it’s important to have a professional take measurements of your unique home to see exactly what type and length of gutters you need, how many downspouts you have, and how far those downspouts will extend from your home to sufficiently direct water away. Once you are sure that your gutters are working for your home, inspect and clean them out every spring and fall. Gutters can be in perfectly good condition but become clogged with debris from trees, allowing rainwater to flood over the top and down to pool around your foundation below. When you’re done cleaning, flush out your gutters with a garden hose. If you see any small holes or cracks, fill them with caulk, so they do not become a larger issue.

When it’s Time to Replace Your Gutters

High quality, well-maintained gutters have a lifespan of about 30 years. After that, they can crack, warp, and pull away from the house, making them ineffective. If you see significant leaks at the joints, cracking, or overflowing during rainstorms, it’s a sign that it’s time for a replacement. Of course, if you see pooling water after it rains or water damage and rot to your soffit and fascia board, it’s likely that your old gutters are to blame.

Every home is unique, and that is why Brothers uses technology and craftsmanship to ensure that your new gutter system fits the specifications of your unique home. In fact, we bring our gutter machines to your house to make custom gutters on the spot. So, if you have noticed any of the gutter issues above, schedule a consultation with one of the gutter replacement specialists at Brothers.