We are a locally owned full service operation, fully licensed and insured, serving middle Tennessee. If you have an issue with your home’s gutters, The Gutterman is always a phone call away.
Have you ever experienced water leaking into your basement or large puddles of water around your home after a rainstorm? If so, you more than likely have drainage issues, which could result in major damage to the foundation of your home as water is seeping inside and causing expensive repair work. Drainage problems should be addressed as soon as you notice the signs, although some signs are very subtle and can be difficult to spot. The Gutterman would like to educate you on these signs as well as inform you of the economical and simple ways our gutter systems and services can solve these drainage issues.
According to the National Association of Realtors home-improvement website, HouseLogic, while some drainage problem signs are obvious to see, several signals can be easy to miss, so here are the obvious signs as well the ones the professionals look for when spotting sources of drainage issues.
Gushing Gutters
An obvious sign of a drainage problem, overflowing gutters need immediate attention. If you don’t have gushing water, you can check for vertical streaks of dirt on your exterior gutters, mud splatters on your bricks or siding, and paint peeling from your house. The best solution to this problem is to hire a professional like The Gutterman to clean out your gutters and talk about installing a gutter guard system.
Downspouts that Dump
According to HouseLogic, each inch of rain that falls on your roof can produce more than 600 gallons of runoff. If this runoff gets too close to your foundation, you may have a leaky basement or a crumbled foundation. To solve this problem, add gutter extensions to pour out the water at least five feet from the house. The Gutterman recommends the K-Guard Gutter Protection System to keep this from occurring.
Water Stains in the Basement
If you notice any stains in your basement, The Gutterman can come inspect to see if the water is coming from underground or if it is simply surface water that is easier to repair. If surface water is the problem, The Gutterman can fix the clogged gutter that is causing the leaking or advise you on how to slope the soil around your foundation so the runoff will not back up against your home.
Cracks in the Foundation
Most houses’ foundations have small cracks, but if you notice a large crack, keep your eyes on it to see if it grows. If your cracks are stable and have not penetrated all the way through, you can repair them with hydraulic cement or polyurethane caulk. If the cracks continue to widen, it is time to call The Gutterman so he can inspect this drainage issue and see what repairs you should have done.
Mildew in the Attic
You may never have thought to look in your attic for mildew, but a drainage issue can cause mildew to grow on the underside of your roof. If you have water in your basement or crawl space, its moisture rises to your attic and condenses on the underside of your roof. The Gutterman can inspect and solve your basement water problems so you will not end up having to replace your roof shingles and sheathing, a very expensive job.
If you have noticed any of these drainage issue signs, contact The Gutterman today to talk to our staff about the solutions we can provide.