Can clogged gutters cause foundation problems? When clogs cause water to spill over the gutters or pool near the edge of the house, foundation problems from drainage issues are possible. Learn more about the importance of trusting the professionals at Custom Cut Gutters to protect your home.
What Causes Gutters To Clog?
Many items can end up in your gutters. The most common clogged gutter issues involve:
- Seeds
- Dust
- Pollen
- Shingle debris
- Tree pods
- Leaves
- Sticks
- Toys
- Bird nests
When items fall from trees, they could land in the gutter or on the roof, blocking water from flowing through the gutters to the downspouts.
If your drainage system is on the older side, loose seams and screws can cause larger items to catch in the gutter. These eventually lead to clogs and water that flows over the top of the gutter. You might need to make gutter repairs to reduce the chance of clogs occurring.
Why a Clogged Gutter Causes Foundation Damage
Can clogged gutters cause foundation problems, and why does this issue happen? Foundations consist of porous concrete. Constant water exposure could lead to water damage in your basement.
Foundation and water damage from gutters that are not working correctly may include:
- Water seeping into the basement
- Exposure to moisture damaging the concrete
- Shifting foundation in damp soil
Clogs near the roofline and in the gutters can increase the risk of an overflow. When water pours over the top of the gutters, it runs down the side of the house and pools within a couple of feet of the foundation. It eventually soaks into the soil around the foundation and causes damage.
Do Other Water Flow Problems Endanger Your Foundation?
Gutter foundation damage can also occur when you have problems with your downspouts. Even if the gutters aren’t clogged, a disconnected downspout might allow water to pool near the foundation instead of directing it where it needs to go. The downspout carries the water from the gutter system several feet away from the house, protecting the foundation.
If the soil around your foundation does not angle away from the house, water from a storm could pool along the foundation, even if the gutters are functioning properly. Add soil to adjust the angle of the ground away from the foundation.
You’ll want to check the status of your downspouts and gutters every few weeks during the stormy season. You should also check them before the spring season rains and thunderstorms arrive when protecting a home foundation.
Don’t Let Poor Gutter Drainage Put Your Foundation at Risk – Call Us Today for Gutter Cleaning
Can clogged gutters cause foundation problems, and what should I do about it? Water damage from malfunctioning gutters is a common problem for people in northwest Iowa, but our team of experts at Custom Cut Gutters has multiple solutions for you. We can do gutter cleaning or install gutters with leaf protection capabilities.
To request a free estimate for any of our services, contact us today at (712) 262-1013.