Calculating the Importance of Gutters and Drainage in Atlanta

Without proper water management, rainwater cascading off roofs during the peak rainy season could cause flooding in basements or crawl spaces. Atlanta gets an abundant amount of rain annually. While hilly areas are less prone to flooding, properties in flood-prone areas can flood with a torrential downpour in under an hour.

If your yard starts to accumulate two or more feet of water, your soil is susceptible to being saturated. All the water pooling in your yard and permeating the ground can end up in your basement or crawl space. 

This guide is tailored to help you efficiently reroute and manage water away from your foundation. 

Gutter System

Gutters were designed with a vital purpose––collecting rainwater and redirecting it away from your foundation. Not all gutters are created equal. Some gutters, like vinyl, are easier to install and more budget-friendly. There are various weather-resistant material options for gutters. Consulting with a professional will help you choose the best option for your home. 

Types of Rain Gutter Material

Gutter Parts and Accessories

Leaf guards substantially help keep out debris. Rain chains aid in preventing gutter elbows or joints from clogging. They are also effective in rain harvesting and directing water to landscaping beds. Reusing rainwater is also a great way to make your garden happy and save water. 

Taking a Closer Look at Landscape Grading and Managing Water

A highly porous soil can take in heavy rainfall. Combining permeable soil with a thin layer of gravel to slowly filter the water helps improve drainage. Water-absorbing shrubs are another key element for enhancing drainage. Always plant shrubs a safe distance away from the foundation.

Professionals will access your landscape grading to design accordingly. The best practice is to have compact soil against the foundation and slope the land downward away from the foundation.  

Ideally, you will want downspouts to extend down the slope from your home. If you are going to include a water-harvesting item, like a rain barrel, the general rule of thumb is to position it on top of a concrete slab.

How Much Rainwater Falls on Your Roof?

Let’s say you own a 1,600-square-foot home in a region that gets seasonal precipitation. We will measure in gallons because although rain can slowly drizzle, over time, it adds up. With torrential downpours, it’s more obvious how much rain your roof and landscape collects. 

• 1” of rain amounts to 997 gallons of rain
• 5” of rain amounts to 4,984 gallons of rain
• 12” of rain amounts to 11,962 gallons of rain

Although gutters and downspouts considerably help reduce flooding, the ground can exceed the capacity of rainwater it’s able to absorb before the soil is saturated. Once the soil is saturated water finds its way through cracks in your basement, weakening your foundation over time. 

Once the Damage Is Done, the Costs of Repairs Increase

Flooding in a basement can be costly, time-consuming, and unfortunate, especially when you store most of your valuables there. Let’s estimate how much 1” and 1’ of water entering your basement might cost you in damages. 

• 1” of water in the home amounts to $26,807
• 1’ of water in the home amounts to $72,163
• A damaged foundation could cost you $105,000

Imagine all of the ways you could spend your money without repair costs. Investing in your home by adding waterproofing systems will save you money down the road. 

Sump pumps are crucial if you live in a flood-prone area for fast and efficient cleanup. The best way to protect your home is with professional basement waterproofing services. 

How to detect if water has damaged your basement over time:

Other causes, aside from rainwater, that can cause flooding are:

If your basement or crawl space exhibits any of the aforementioned telltale signs of water damage, seek a professional crawl space repair service or basement repair. 

It’s easy to feel daunted when it comes to caring for your home, especially when it comes to uncontrollable conditions, like rainstorms and flooding. Create a checklist of items your home can be armed with to guard against water damage. If you live near a flood zone, you will want to survey your property. 

• Is your home situated on a low slope, more likely to collect rainwater?
• Is your soil compact throughout your landscape with a low absorption capacity?
• Are you cleaning your gutters regularly to prevent clogs?
• Has your basement or crawl space been professionally waterproofed?

These are pertinent questions to consider when investing in your home. For a free inspection of your property in the Atlanta, Athens, or Columbus areas, contact our professionals today. You’ll receive sound and honest advice on effective budget-friendly materials that will reduce basement or crawl space flooding and damage.