Did you know that poor drainage is the #1 cause for foundation issues? Inspecting and maintaining your gutters in good condition can prevent costly damages. This includes cracking and bowing walls, flooding, mold, mildew, and poor air quality. What does this have to do with gutters? EVERYTHING!
The International Residential Code Commentary states, to minimize the potential of saturated soils adjacent to the foundation, the roof should drain a minimum of 5 feet from the foundation. This image shows both proper and improper downspout discharges.
Even if your gutters don’t appear to be clogged, debris in your gutters can cause big issues in the winter months. The collected water will freeze, and as you can see the end results can cause significant damages!
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Gutters require routine inspection and regular cleaning. Underperforming gutters put your home at risk and damage foundations, siding, roofing, soffit, and fascia as well as create an unhealthy air quality environment. A good rule of thumb is to inspect and clean your gutters twice a year, during spring and autumn. If you live in a rainy climate or your home is surrounded by large growth trees, it should be included in monthly maintenance checks.
If you need assistance locating a contractor, please feel free to reach out to us at maintenance@scioto.com, We are here to help.
Lenny Jesuele is a construction specialist with a 25+ year record of achievement and success managing residential projects up to and in excess of $1MM and commercial projects up to $10+MM. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and delivering quality projects as Construction Project Manager at Scioto Properties.
