Your gutters play an important role in protecting your home. They keep water from accumulating and standing around your home. When you know the dangers of stagnant water, you understand the importance of taking care of your gutters. In addition, making sure they stay free from debris and in good repair!
Increased pressure on the foundation.
Are your gutter downspouts depositing water too close to your foundation and allowing it to stagnate? Are they overflowing and allowing water to pool next to your house? If so, that water can put undue pressure on your foundation. If you can see puddles of stagnant water around your home, that means the soil underneath is fully saturated with water. That heavy, water-laden soil can put pressure on the sides of your foundation. Consequently, this can lead to bulging or cracked walls in your basement.
Settling foundation.
The second problem with an accumulation of water against your foundation? Water draining away. If stagnant water has been putting pressure on your foundation, when that water finally drains away, your home’s foundation can shift and settle. A settling foundation can lead to uneven floors and cracks in the walls or foundation. It can also lead to cracks or shifts in other home structures, such as your masonry chimney.
Flooded or moldy basement.
Stagnant water around your home’s foundation also can cause excessive moisture in your basement. That can mean flooding in your basement during rain events, or mold growth along your basement walls. Dampness or flooding in your basement can damage walls and ceilings and ruin furniture. Even destroying flooring or any possessions you might keep stored there. At the very least, all of that excessive moisture can make the environment in your basement unpleasant. This causes damp air and a musty, moldy smell.
Pest growth.
Stagnant water also can have a detrimental effect on your health or the health of your pets. Standing water serves as a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes and flies. Mosquitoes carry a host of diseases that can infect humans, such as West Nile Virus. Plus, mosquitoes can infect your pets with heartworms. When you allow standing water to stagnate near your home, you are inviting pests and the diseases they carry into your backyard!
To prevent stagnant water from accumulating around your home, you need a clean, functioning and properly designed gutter system. Make sure you clean your gutters at least twice a year — or have them fitted with gutter guards to keep debris out. Also, watch for defects in your gutters, such as cracks, sagging and leaking.
If you notice that your gutter system is allowing water to pool and stagnate around your home’s foundation, call The Gutterman of TN to schedule an appointment today! We can evaluate your existing gutter system and come up with a solution that will keep your home and your family safe from the dangers of stagnant water.