Importance of gutters from a foundation standpoint
At Gutterworks, we know that homeowners should prioritize taking care of their gutters and replacing them when necessary. At the same time, we also realize not everyone understands the importance of why you should ensure your gutters are in tip-top shape. That is why today we are discussing what role your gutters have from a foundation standpoint.
Gutter System
The primary function of your gutter system is to route water away from your home. If water rests against your house at any point, it can cause costly damage. Your gutters are the primary source of defense against that damage. To give you an idea of how important this job is, let’s highlight just how much water we’re talking about. During a one-inch rainfall, a 1000 square foot roof redirects over 600 GALLONS of water. How much water does that mean for your home? You can calculate based on your home’s square footage, but regardless, your roof and gutters have a heavy-duty job to do! When considering the proper function of gutters and the prevention of water damage, many folks turn their focus (incorrectly) to roof health. Perfectly functioning gutters and downspouts take water flawlessly from your roof to the ground without coming into contact with vulnerable parts of your house. Clogged gutters can back up with water, allowing water into your home through rotted wood or running up under your shingles (think ice dam!). Damaged gutters can allow water to seep through seams or holes and into your house through walls. However, one thing that homeowners overlook is that gutter health directly affects a home’s foundation.
Foundation
The foundation of a home acts as a load-bearing structure designed to hold the building above the ground. A good foundation must not only support the house but also protect it from water. When water is allowed to pool next to a house or when the soil becomes saturated along a house’s foundation, the foundation erodes and can crack from the pressure. Cracks or vulnerabilities in a foundation worsen when even more water penetrates the openings and can even freeze, expanding them even further. Avoiding foundation issues can save you thousands in repairs alone.
When our licensed professionals at Gutterworks install and repair gutters and downspouts, we ensure that they are correctly installed the first time. We install gutter systems that effectively lead water away from your foundation. We also help fix improper installations and damage from your home’s past.
Understanding how vital these precautions are could help you avoid future problems with your gutters & foundation in addition to costly and avoidable expenses. Every gallon of water directed away from your home matters for the health of your foundation.
At Gutterworks, we have the expertise to ensure that your gutters are installed and maintained so they can reroute every gallon that falls on your roof.
Having a professional team like Gutterworks clear out or secure your gutters regularly will help protect your foundation from water that may overflow due to clogs or sagging. We regularly recommend gutter guards, which prevent the regular maintenance that unprotected gutters require. They also allow the gutters to perform to their maximum potential because they keep leaves and debris from accumulating. Gutterworks gutter guards: GutterRx can withstand 14+ inches of rain per hour! These are a game-changer when it comes to protecting against foundation damage. While your roof is your first line of defense against water entering your home, gutters and downspouts are your first line of offense against foundation damage. Contact us at 304.848.9870 today if you want to discuss how you can protect your home against water damage.