Incorrect Installation of Rain Gutters can Cause Major Foundation Problems

When inspecting your rain gutter system, you should check the following:

• Gutter size
• Flashing connected to the eaves
• Connection from the roof eaves to the gutters
• Gutter slope
• Gutter joints
• Gutter holes and/or leaks
• Downspouts
• Splash guards

If your gutters are too small for your home, they won’t function properly. You’ll need to replace them with the correct size either on your own or with the help of a professional. Homes with steep roofs or those in areas prone to heavy rain may require larger gutters and additional downspouts to prevent overflow.

Gutter size is determined by simple math. A large roof will collect more rainwater, which needs somewhere to go. Some professionals recommend using oversized gutters for all houses to ensure that they can handle any type of weather.

Flashing is a thin, L-shaped metal sheet that directs water away from the seams and joints of roofing systems. When there is no flashing or it is damaged, moisture can damage insulation and wood, leading to mildew, dry rot, and pest infestations. If there is no flashing, you’ll need to remove the gutters and add flashing after checking the wood under your roof for damage. If you have damaged flashing, inspect the area and repair or replace it as needed. This may be easier to fix, as you may not need to remove all of the gutters, just the affected areas.

Sometimes gutter joints come apart because they were not placed together correctly during installation or because the gutters are under too much stress from being overloaded. It should be easy to reposition them back into place, but be careful not to damage the existing system. If the gutters have separated due to overloading, consider installing larger gutters that can handle the amount of rain in your area.

If your gutters do not have the correct pitch toward the downspouts, the water won’t flow properly and can cause erosion problems in the gutters and your home. Improperly installed or neglected gutters can also cause roof and structural damage.

Water that isn’t drained away from the foundation can cause erosion to the ground and damage to the foundation. To prevent these issues, which can be costly to fix, it’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your gutters and consider replacing them when necessary.

By examining your gutters and the surrounding structure and ground, you can protect your home from standing water and foundation damage.

If you live in the Houston area and need house leveling, there is only one call to make. Trust the professionals of AAA Foundation Service to provide honest information about your home leveling issues. Call us today and we will get you setup with an in-depth inspection, free repair estimate, and a list of solutions.