Your home’s gutters are its first line of defense against water damage. They work to channel rainwater away from your roof and foundation. And when your gutters and downspouts aren’t functioning correctly, they can be a costly problem.
Foundation Problems
The most serious issue of clogged or malfunctioning gutters/downspouts is excessive saturation of the soil directly around your home’s foundation. This can lead to hydrostatic pressure that can push against your foundation, causing cracks, bowing, or structural instability in the long term.
Flooding
Not only does water push against the exterior of your home, but it might also find its way into your crawlspace or basement. This happens when there are cracks or gaps around openings. Standing water can then turn into mold growth which can also cause damage to the structural components of your home (not to mention the health issues surrounding living in a moldy environment).
Siding and Exterior Damage
Overflowing gutters can also cause water to infiltrate the area between your siding and the frame of your home. This can lead to rotting fascia boards, damaged window frames, trim, and more. Excess water seepage can also lead to peeling paint and water stains on both the interior and exterior of your home.
Protect Your Foundation
Fortunately, your home is not a proverbial sitting duck. There are many ways to reduce or eliminate water damage. A few solutions include:
- Downspout Extensions: The simplest and most cost-effective solution is your first step. This is simply to install downspout extenders so that water discharges at least five feet away from your foundation.
- French Drains: A more comprehensive solution for persistent pooling or poor drainage is French drains. It’s essentially a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe. French drains by Barrier Waterproofing are installed professionally, ensuring water slopes away from your home. The excess water is then routed to an area that won’t cause damage to your property.
- Sump Pump: Although, ideally, you’ll never have to use a sump pump, it’s like a small insurance policy that helps remove water that does penetrate your basement. Barrier Waterproofing also offers professional sump pump installation, which is crucial for helping to prevent flood damage in homes prone to water intrusion.
Contact Barrier Waterproofing today for more information on these and other methods to help effectively manage water runoff. Our experts can help design a custom solution for your property that will keep you free of both worry and water.
