4 Ways Gutters Protect Your Foundation

AquaGuard man inspecting downspout near a home's foundation.

When you think about gutters and foundations, they might seem like an odd couple of home construction, but in reality, they have a direct impact on one another. Gutters channel rainwater away from your home so it doesn’t collect near the foundation.

By keeping water away, they help prevent the soil around the foundation from getting too wet, which can lead to cracks and other damage. Let’s learn more about why gutters can save your foundation.

Schedule Free Inspection

What is a Gutter System?

A gutter system consists of vinyl, aluminum, or steel troughs that line the edge of your home’s roof. When it rains, runoff flows off your roof and into the trough of your gutter system.

Each gutter is sloped towards a downspout which allows water to flow to the ground and away from your home. Downspouts then transfer water directly into an underground drain or through an extension that carries the water away from your home and deposits it onto the ground.

💡 Fun Fact:

Gutters have been around for thousands of years! The ancient Romans used gutter systems made of clay and stone to manage rainwater, showing that even back then, people understood the importance of keeping water away from their buildings.

How Gutters Keep Your Foundation Safe

Although rain might seem harmless, it can wreak havoc on your home over time. Everything from your siding, foundation, and interior air quality can suffer damage due to an inefficient gutter system. Watch this video for a quick overview on why gutters are some important.

1. Gutters Defend Against Foundation Settlement

The biggest threat brought on by an inefficient or nonexistent gutter system is foundation damage. If rain pools around your home, water is likely to wash away the soil, seep below the foundation, and exert pressure on the foundation walls, all of which lead to uneven settling and foundation cracks. When a foundation settles unevenly, the house moves with it and can cause extensive structural damage, like cracks in the foundation or stuck windows and doors.

2. Gutters Minimize Soil Erosion

Runoff is a leading cause of soil erosion. Soil erosion due to faulty gutters typically occurs along the exterior sides of a home or just around the downspout. Regardless of the extent of erosion, no amount is good for a home. Erosion has a direct impact on the foundation and structural integrity of your home.

3. Gutters Prevent Mold and Mildew

Gutters aid in keeping your crawl space or basement dry which prevents mold and mildew from growing.
Mold prevention is key to a healthy home because it breaks down structures in your home, it smells bad and looks bad, and mold particles can cause lasting respiratory problems to anyone living in your home.

4. Gutters Stop Flooding in Your Basement and Crawl Space

If your home has a basement, there is a good chance you have personal items or important appliances stored down there.
Moreover, if your home has a crawl space, then vital home utilities like water pipes or electrical wiring sit below your home.
In either case, it is important that the area below your home remains dry. A complete gutter system keeps the water away from the base of your home and prevents it from leaking into your basement or crawl space.

Contact AquaGuard Today for Effective Gutters!

AquaGuard inspector posing in front of home with arms crossed.

A functional gutter system is one of the best ways protect your foundation from heavy rainfall, a common occurrence in Atlanta. Without a good gutter system, your house and foundation are at risk for costly water damage sand structural issues. To learn more about how gutters protect your foundation and to schedule a free inspection, considering contacting us today!

Schedule Free Inspection

FAQs

Why would you not put gutters on a house?

The only time you would not need gutters on a home is if it was located in an area with little to no rainfall and had sufficient landscaping drainage to efficiently move water away from the structure.

What is the disadvantage of not having gutters?

Not having an efficient gutter system can cause short and long-term damage to a home’s siding, foundation, structural integrity, and landscaping.

How can you protect your foundation from water damage?

A complete water management system is the only way to guarantee your foundation remains protected from water damage. A gutter is just one component of an effective water management system.

Related Resources

Calculating gutters drainage illustrated featured image

Calculating the Importance of Gutters and Drainage in Atlanta

Repair costs from rainwater damage and how you can protect your home in Georgia with proper water management of your drainage and gutters.

Hydrostatic Pressure Explained: What It Is and How to Prevent It

Hydrostatic pressure impacts basements all across the country, and it can cause big problems if it affects yours.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Foundation Repair

In this guide, we'll look at the various methods of modern foundation repair, highlighting why it's a strategic investment in the longevity of your home.

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.