A flooded basement is one of the biggest headaches a homeowner can face. Standing water or even a “damp basement” can create health concerns, lead to mold growth, and be expensive to repair. Many homeowners don’t realize that poor roof drainage is a common cause of basement flooding. As a result, upgrading your rain gutters is one of the best things you can do to keep water out of the basement.
Do Gutters Help Your Foundation?
Yes. In homes with clogged gutters or no gutters at all, rainwater flows directly off the roof and onto the ground below. This over-saturates the soil, increasing pressure on the foundation walls and eventually leading to cracks and leaks. You probably won’t know this is happening until you see water in the basement.
Do Gutters Help with Drainage?
Yes. Properly maintained, free-flowing gutters collect rainwater as it drains off the roof, directing it toward the downspout. This deposits the water a safe distance from the foundation and improves the overall drainage on your property. In addition to preventing foundation damage and basement flooding, gutters reduce water streaks on the siding and minimize soil erosion.
Tips to Keep Water Out of the Basement
If you don’t already have gutters, install them without delay. Then, follow these tips to ensure your gutters are helping to keep water out of the basement:
- Clean your gutters regularly: If debris clogs the gutters and downspouts, water will pour over the sides, defeating the purpose of having gutters at all. To avoid this, clean your gutters once or twice a year.
- Consider gutter guards: Reduce the need for gutter cleaning by installing gutter covers, which filter out debris while still allowing water to drain off the roof.
- Address gutter slope problems: Proper drainage requires your gutters to slope toward the nearest downspout. Fix sagging gutters by hiring a residential gutter company to re-secure them to the house at the proper angle.
- Watch out for leaks: You may be able to repair leaky gutters with sealant. However, if they leak extensively or show other signs of old age, you might need to replace your gutters.
- Measure your downspout extensions: For the best results, each downspout should extend at least 4 to 6 feet from the house, but 10 feet is preferable.
- Check your soil grading: If your landscaping is flat or slopes toward the foundation, your basement could still be flood-prone. Build up eroded soil so runoff flows off your property, thus protecting your home from flooding.
Clearly, you shouldn’t underestimate the role gutters play in keeping water out of your basement. If you’re looking for gutter repair, replacement, or cleaning services in Snohomish or King County, turn to High Point Gutter. We love what we do, and we’re proud of our work! To ensure your satisfaction, everyone on our team receives hands-on training before performing fieldwork. Call our residential gutter company today at (425) 449-6622 or contact us online to request the gutter services you need. We look forward to making you our next happy customer!
