The Effects of Poor Gutter Maintenance and Water Flow Around Your House

As homeowners, we expect our houses to provide us with a safe and comfortable place to live. However, over time, houses can settle and shift, leading to foundation problems. One common cause of foundation problems is poor gutter maintenance. In this blog post, we will discuss how poor gutters can cause a house to settle and what homeowners can do to prevent it.

Gutters are an essential component of any house’s roofing system. Without gutters, rainwater would fall off the roof and pool around the foundation, causing soil erosion and foundation damage. Poorly maintained gutters can cause water to overflow and spill over the gutters’ edges. This water can then seep into the soil surrounding the foundation and cause it to expand and contract. Over time, this can cause the foundation to shift and settle unevenly and, in some cases, even cause a wall to pull away from the home leaving a gap such as in this photo.

Gaps in the home can also become an opportunity for unwanted animals such as mice, or creation of hornet’s nests to name a couple of additional issues. Additionally, water that is not channeled away from the house can accumulate near the foundation and cause the soil to become saturated. This can make the soil soft and unstable, which can lead to foundation damage.

Regular gutter maintenance is essential to prevent foundation problems caused by poor gutters.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Regular cleaning: Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. This will prevent clogs and blockages that can cause water to overflow.
2. Proper installation: Gutters should be installed correctly to ensure that they are properly sloped and that water flows in the right direction. Homeowners should work with a professional contractor to ensure that their gutters are installed correctly.
3. Gutter guards: Installing gutter guards can prevent debris from entering the gutters and causing clogs.
4. Downspouts: Downspouts should be properly positioned to channel water away from the house’s foundation.
5. Landscaping: Homeowners should ensure that landscaping is properly sloped away from the house’s foundation. This will prevent water from pooling around the foundation.

In conclusion, poor gutter maintenance can cause a house to settle and lead to foundation problems. Regular gutter cleaning and proper installation can prevent this from happening. Homeowners should work with a professional contractor to ensure that their gutters are installed correctly and that they are properly maintained. By taking care of their gutters and landscaping, homeowners can ensure that their houses provide them with a safe and comfortable place to live.