Roof to Foundation: How Gutters Shield Your Home from Water Damage

While it seems a small and unexciting part of your home, proper gutter installation and maintenance are essential to protecting your home from water damage. With the increase in the severity of storms in recent years, it is essential to practice proper gutter maintenance to avoid expensive repairs down the line.

Gutters help channel water away from the foundation and prevent water intrusion into basements.  However, when not maintained, the build-up of leaves and other materials occurs in gutters. This build-up can cause flooding around your foundation, causing erosion and structural damage. Additionally, erosion can cause basement flooding, leading to another set of costly issues. Foundation damage can be extremely expensive and complex, which makes gutter upkeep essential. Overflowing gutters can also harm your landscaping and contribute to soil erosion around the foundation, further exacerbating structural problems.

Clogged gutters can cause water to seep into areas of your roof, potentially leaking into your ceilings and damaging your personal belongings. Regular gutter maintenance and roof maintenance can go a long way in avoiding major expensive repairs.

Gutter Installation

When installing a new gutter system, it may be necessary to consult with roofing experts to determine the best dimensions and design of your gutter system to accommodate your roof’s size.

When correctly installed, gutters are generally set at a pitch of .25-.5 inches for every 10 feet. However, wind and weather can alter the gutter’s pitch over time, preventing the water from properly draining into the downspouts. By checking that the gutter has maintained its installed pitch, you can ensure that the water properly drains to the downspouts. The installation of materials such as downspout extensions, French drains, and gutter guards can address the specific needs of your home’s gutter system. 

Gutter Cleaning

A bi-annual clean-up of your gutters will prevent dangerous blockages. Clearing out leaf buildup at the end of fall and in late spring helps avoid overflow during heavy rains. To ensure safety when cleaning your gutters, make sure that you have suitable equipment and protective gear. If you are using a ladder, ensure that the ladder is stable. Avoid resting the ladder directly on the gutter, as this may be unsafe.

CED Technologies’ team of Civil and Structural Engineers provides advanced expertise in addressing various roofing and foundation issues. Our engineers are well-versed in building code references, construction material testing, and surveying/leveling equipment to deliver accurate analysis and evaluations.