DID YOU KNOW?
Cleaning your gutter regularly and connecting downspouts to piping that will carry the water to a sloping final grade ≥ 5 ft. from the foundation protects your home from the damage caused by runoff water and prevent water from coming into the basement?
Foundation damage: The main role of a gutter system is to channel water off the roof and away from the home’s foundation. A blockage can cause water to pour over the sides of the gutter or a downspout discharge too close to the house causes water pooling around the foundation. Over time, the water can cause cracks to form and damage the foundation, potentially resulting in collapse. But even if the foundation doesn’t fail, the water can still cause mold growth.
Wood damage: The fascia boards that hold the gutter system are often made of wood. When gutters clog and fill with water, the boards start to deteriorate and rot. If a home has wood siding, clogged gutters can also cause water to overflow out of the gutter system and down the sides of the home.
Landscape damage: When gutters clog and water spills over the side, it often lands on flower beds, small trees or shrubs that surround the base of a home.
Ice dams: In colder climates, ice dams can form on the gutters or the lower edge of the roof, causing water to pool and eventually seep into the home. While ice dams can form on homes with clean gutters, clogged gutters prevent water from draining, which increases the chance for ice dams.
Slip/Fall Hazards: In area where water can thaw and freeze in colder climates, a potential fall/slip hazard can exists. This can cause by water from downspout discharged too closed to homes causing pooling around the normal walking path. When temperature drops, these pooling area freezes and causes slip hazard.
