How do gutters prevent foundation damage to your home?
Lessons about gutters and foundations from a former house flipper
I first got into construction back in 2008 during the financial crisis when I saw an opportunity to buy foreclosed homes, fix them up, and sell for a profit. One of the first and most challenging issues I ran into was that the houses that were for sale at the largest discounts — sometimes 50 cents on the dollar or less — often had significant foundation damage. It’s not uncommon for foundation repair to cost $20k - $30k or more. As a small-time investor with a lot of borrowed money on the line, I quickly learned to evaluate foundation damage and determine the causes and solutions. By far the most common reason for foundation damage was because the house did not have gutters, which allows rainwater to pool and absorb around the foundation perimeter of the house causing the soil to absorb water and expand. Over the years, this constant expansion and contraction of the soil puts stress on the foundation of a home.
When the soil under a home becomes unstable it causes the foundation to flex and shift. Often the first signs are small cracks in the drywall and doors that don’t open and shut properly. If the damage is significant or continues for years unresolved it can lead to much more significant problems such as busted sewer pipes. Older homes with concrete slabs and cast iron sewer pipes are especially vulnerable. Cast iron pipes do not flex, so when a foundation shifts it’s very easy for the pipes under the house to break under the strain. I came across many houses with busted sewer pipes that had been leaking out under the house for years. As disgusting as that sounds to have sewer water leaking under your house, it gets even worse because that sewer water contributes to even more expansion and contraction of the soil under the house, exacerbating the foundation issues. Replacing cast iron pipes under a concrete slab is even more costly and complex than fixing a damaged foundation.
Why are gutters the most cost-effective thing you can do to protect your home?
Gutters are your foundation’s first line of defense
I remember one specific meeting back in 2008 that I had with a structural engineer who was giving me a report on a home I was evaluating for purchase that had significant foundation damage. I’ll never forget what the engineer told me that day. He said the foundation damage could almost certainly have been prevented if the house had gutters. I remember thinking that it seemed almost too obvious that such a simple solution like rain gutters and proper drainage could prevent all of these costly foundation repairs. But it’s true and I heard it many times over the years from other engineers and foundation companies I worked with. Another thing I was told was that after I got the foundation fixed I still had to make sure to put gutters on the house or else the problems would eventually come back. So while they can’t prevent all foundation issues, seamless gutters are the most obvious and cost-effective way to give you peace of mind as a homeowner. This is why at Denver Gutter Company, we specialize in only one thing, gutters. We concentrate our focus exclusively on gutters and gutter products so we can bring you the very best customer service for seamless rain gutter installation and gutter cleaning in Denver, Englewood, Centennial, Lakewood, Golden, Cherry Hills, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Arvada, Aurora, and all other Front Range communities.
Homes with basements are most at risk for water damage without gutters
Homes with basements are often more susceptible to water and foundation damage due to several factors:
Below-Ground Level Location: Basements are, by definition, below ground level. This means they are in closer proximity to the water table, which is the level at which the ground is saturated with water. If the water table rises due to heavy rainfall without gutters, basements can be at risk of flooding.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Water in the soil exerts hydrostatic pressure against the basement walls. If the soil is poorly drained or saturated, this pressure can increase, leading to leaks or even structural damage to the foundation walls.
Inadequate Waterproofing: Some basements may lack proper waterproofing measures. If the foundation walls or basement floors are not adequately sealed, water can penetrate through cracks or porous concrete, leading to moisture issues and potential damage.
Lack of Ventilation: Poor ventilation in basements can lead to higher humidity levels. Excessive humidity can contribute to mold growth and other moisture-related issues that can compromise the structural integrity of the foundation.
Mold Growth: Basements are more susceptible to mold growth for the reasons explained above. It’s generally common knowledge that mold can cause very serious health problems. And it’s not just black mold, also known as Stachybotrys — all mold species contain neurotoxins called mycotoxins which can lead to various chronic physical and mental symptoms.
Foundation Settlement: The potential for foundation settlement can be higher in basements, especially if the soil underneath is not properly compacted during construction. Uneven settlement due to rainwater settling under the house can lead to cracks in the foundation walls.
Tips to prevent foundation and basement damage
Make sure your home has a properly functioning seamless gutter system that adequately removes rainwater and snow melt from around the perimeter of your home.
Slope and grade the soil around your home’s perimeter and make sure that the gutter downspouts are properly located so that water flows away from the home, not towards it.
Make sure your gutters are functioning properly with annual gutter cleanings.
Long story short… every home should have gutters!
Written by: Justin Fitzpatrick
