Are there two words that can terrify a homeowner more than “foundation damage”? Foundation damage inevitably means costly and extensive repairs. They can make your home impossible to sell, and they mark a serious deterioration of your home’s structure.
When it comes to foundation damage, water is often the culprit. Keeping water away from your foundation is an important part of keeping your foundation safe. Gutters play an important role in keeping water away from your foundation.
Water and your foundation
Water causes foundation damage when it is allowed to pool around the base of a home. Pooling water can saturate the earth along a home’s foundation. That wet soil puts pressure on the foundation. It can cause the foundation to push inward and crack, or it can cause basement walls to bow inward. When the soil dries, it puts less pressure on foundation. It can also erode away. The decreased soil pressure on the foundation allows the foundation to settle. That can upset structures like walls and chimneys, causing cracks, unevenness and leaning. If water continues to pool around the home once the foundation is cracked or weakened, it can cause flooding within the home, or mold growth in the home’s walls.
Why gutters matter
Gutters are your foundation’s primary defense against pooling water. Gutters catch water as it rolls off your roof and channels to a downspout. The downspout safely deposits the water a safe distance from your home or into a more extensive drainage system. When gutters are cracked, missing, pulling away from the home or clogged, there is a major risk to your home and your foundation. With a failing gutter system, the water that runs off of your roof each time it rains or when snow falls directly against your home’s foundation.
Examining your gutters
Fall is an ideal time for inspecting your gutters. As the leaves fall, they should be removed from your gutters. As you clean out your gutters, look for any holes, cracks, bowing or missing connections. Before fall and winter hit us with rain and snow, make sure you have any problem gutters repaired to keep your home’s foundation safe.
The Gutterman of TN
If your gutters are no longer working to keep water away from your foundation, The Gutterman of TN can help! Our seamless gutters can lower the risk for cracks and leaks in your gutters. We use quality materials that are less likely to warp or fall into disrepair. In addition to seamless gutters, we can also talk to you about keeping your gutters free from debris with SafeGuard gutter guards.
When you hire The Gutterman of TN to repair or replace your gutters, not only do you know that you are getting a quality product, but you are doing business with a company that is invested in Middle Tennessee. At The Gutterman of TN, we are committed to providing our customers with top-notch products and services, and because we are a local company, you know we will be here should any problems arise.
Protect your foundation this winter with help from The Gutterman of TN! Contact us to schedule a consultation today!