Wet Basement? Don’t Overlook Your Gutters

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Preventing Water Damage

Sure, we are still stuck in the middle of the deep freeze known as February. It seems that everything outside is frozen, and will be forever. However, don’t forget that we’re only a month away from warmer weather, and with those warmer temperatures come a big thaw and spring rains.

Where does all of that water go? In an ideal situation, it falls 6 feet away from your foundation where it slithers down a storm drain or into the regional watershed. Yet, as many of us know, water doesn’t always go where you want it to.

Basement Waterproofing Won’t Fix Your Drainage Problem

You might have walked by those big buckets of waterproofing basement paint at your local hardware store and been tempted to grab a couple. The truth is, waterproofing your basement, even if done professionally, does you no good unless you fix the reason why the water is pooling there in the first place.

We have the Grand Canyon to remind us of the raw power and sheer stubbornness of water. It’ll find a way in if it wants to. When water comes into your basement it’s because of something called hydrostatic pressure or “fluid pressure.” To put it simply, as water presses against the exterior of your basement, it’ll eventually build enough pressure to come in, just like the big bad wolf. Even the best waterproofing will fail you if your basement suffers from an excess of fluid pressure. It’ll huff, it’ll puff, and—well, you know the rest.

Call in an Excavator? Why Not a Gutter Guy?

So, you have a drainage problem that is causing a wet basement problem. The most sensible thing to do is to call a business that can regrade your property and install drainage around the parameter, right? Sure—you could call in an excavator to install a fancy drainage system that keeps your foundation dry as a bone. However, that is a big investment and it’ll rip up your lawn in the process.

What else is there to do? What if we told you that the solution to your water problem isn’t a waterproofing membrane installed around your foundation, or even to have an excavator dig a drainage trench around the parameter of your home?

No, the more likely culprit to a water problem is that 6-foot rule we mentioned earlier. That is, water should fall 6 feet away from your home.

The best way to keep your basement dry, believe it or not, is to ensure your gutter system is functioning properly.

Your Gutters Are More Important Than You Think

What do gutters do? The answer is simple, but that doesn’t mean that their role isn’t incredibly important. When gutters function how they should, they’ll take the rain cascading off of your roof and drain it well away from your foundation, which should be graded in away that lets that water drain away and out of sight.

When was the last time you took a look at your gutters? If they’re clogged or in disrepair, then they probably aren’t doing their job. As water leaks out of them like a sieve, it collects at the base of your foundation, which in turn builds fluid pressure, which will inevitably cause a leaky basement.

Often overlooked, gutters are second only to your roof when it comes to keeping your home dry. If it’s been decades since you’ve replaced them, and you have a wet basement or even a wet attic, then it might be time to call us for an inspection.

Now that you know how important your gutters are, request a free quote now, so you can stay high and dry this spring.