Five Ways Gutter Systems & Guards Can Cause Wet Basements
Water in a basement can happen for a variety of reasons including a cracked foundation, faulty plumbing, and could even be a sign you need new windows (or they’re nearing the end of their lifespan). However, an often-overlooked reason for basement water damage is faulty gutter leaf guards. Here are five reasons why your home gutter system can be to blame.
Ineffective Gutter Guards Contribute To Clogs
Gutter systems can become clogged for a variety of reasons. Along with many reasons, systems can become blocked due to your gutter guards being clogged with debris. This can include the presence of leaves, pine needles, and twigs in the gutter trough. If gutter screens or covers are not cleaned and a clog persists, water is not able to exit through the downspouts. This leads to standing water in gutters and can even result in water spilling over the top of the system towards the home’s foundation and into the basement. Learn more about common damage caused by clogged gutters.
Leaking Gutter Covers
There are many reasons gutter protection systems can leak. In aluminum rain gutter replacement systems, leaks can occur at points where caulking has failed. Most frequently, these spots are located on the end caps and joints. Over time, caulk can break down due to exposure to UV rays. A leaking gutter prevents the water inside from exiting through the downspouts. Over time, this can lead to a wet basement.
Sagging Gutter Protection Systems
When home gutters sag, it is usually a sign that the fasteners attached to the fascia boards have deteriorated or are too far apart to support the gutter drainage system. When gutter systems sag, they can cause water to overflow. Because water follows the path of least resistance, sagging often results in gutter leaks and ultimately basement water damage.
Poor Installation Can Cause Leaky Gutters
Most homeowners choose to entrust the installation of their gutter guards to a professional. However, not all gutter hood installers are reputable. Partnering with a rookie gutter replacement contractor can have catastrophic results. If the home gutter system installers don’t use a level to verify the correct slope of the gutter installation, they can hold water. If this problem is not corrected, the gutters will eventually overflow which can cause rainwater to enter a home’s basement.
Here are the five questions you should ask your contractor before allowing them to proceed with gutter replacement on your home.
Too Small Of A Drainage System Results In Gutter Leaks
House gutters come in a variety of sizes. Older homes are often equipped with outdated gutter systems that are too small to handle the volume of rain that exits a roof during a thunderstorm. When gutter protection systems experience too much rain in a short period of time, they will overflow and eventually cause interior water damage.
Dependable Provider Of Seamless Gutters For Over 40 Years
Homeowners in Western Wisconsin, Minneapolis/St. Paul and the surrounding Twin Cities area have relied on the gutter replacement experts of Lindus Construction since 1979.
When you partner with Lindus Construction, you will experience the ultimate peace of mind because the LeafGuard® Brand Gutters we install have earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of approval and are accompanied with a no-clog guarantee. Contact us today and we’ll happily answer any questions you have. If you’re ready for a new gutter installation, get a complimentary estimate today.
