It’s safe to assume that most homeowners know gutters are designed to direct rainwater off the roof and down to the ground. What they might not realize is that malfunctioning or clogged gutters cause foundation issues. If that excess rainwater isn’t diverted away from the house, it can cause foundation cracking or even lead to the concrete crumbling away.
Thankfully, it only takes a little bit of work to prevent foundation damage from gutters. Continue reading to learn what you need to do:
- Clean your gutters: The first step is to clean out all of the leaves, twigs and other debris from your gutters. The more clogged gutters get, the less able they are to divert rainwater away from your home. If the clogs get bad enough, water can accumulate in the gutter and spill directly onto the ground below. Make a habit of cleaning your gutters each spring and fall.
- Perform regular inspections: Be sure to perform an inspection while you’re cleaning out the gutters. Look for any cracks or holes that could allow water to drip down instead of flowing out from the downspout. You can also perform these inspections from the ground without climbing up onto the roof.
- Install gutter guards: There are plenty of products on the market designed to keep debris out of gutters. They come in a variety of different styles, and they’re easy to install yourself. When installed correctly, these guards can prevent the need for frequent gutter cleaning.
- Upgrade your gutters: Even if you install gutter covers, there’s no guarantee that your gutters will perform their best. For that, you’ll want to upgrade to a gutter system from Long Island LeafGuard Gutter Company. Our one-piece design effectively keeps debris out, and they’re more resilient than standard gutters.
Additional problems caused by failing gutters
We’ve already covered that poorly-maintained gutters cause foundation issues. Unfortunately, gutter failure often leads to these problems as well:
- Roof damage: As you can imagine, gutters get quite heavy as they accumulate debris. The heavier gutters get, the more likely they are to sag and pull away from your roof. The resulting roof damage leads to leaks and necessitates expensive repairs.
- Mold and mildew growth: Dirty gutters are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew growth—and that mold doesn’t just stay in the gutters. It often spreads up to roofs and down to a home’s siding, leading to an unsightly appearance.
- Pest infestations: All of the leaves and debris inside clogged gutters are a perfect hiding spot for pests like insects, rodents and even birds. Installing our patented gutter system is the best way to keep those pests at bay.
Talk to Long Island LeafGuard Gutter Company
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of our no-clog gutter systems, then call our professionals at Long Island LeafGuard Gutter Company today. We guarantee our products will prevent foundation damage from gutters while reducing the amount of housework you need to perform.