How Clogged or Leaking Gutters can Ruin a Foundation

A residential home in the Quad Cities area with gutters clogged with leaves and debris.

How Clogged or Leaking Gutters can Ruin a Foundation

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Quad Cities area. But, with leaves changing and falling onto your roof, it’s important not to forget about the health of your gutters. Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell when your gutters are clogged without getting on a ladder and inspecting them yourself, which is why it’s so easy for them to leak and cause damage to your home’s foundation. Mainstream Home Improvement specializes in replacing old, damaged gutters and providing permanent solutions like gutter covers to make your fall maintenance easier, year after year. Keep reading to learn how clogged gutters can lead to expensive foundation repairs and damage.

Pooling Water Weakens Your Foundation

The main cause of foundation damage caused by gutters is pooling water. Heavy rains have nowhere to go but onto your property when your downspout is clogged. When gravity takes over, water can begin pooling directly on your concrete foundation, weakening the material and eventually causing your basement walls to crack. If you notice cracks on your walls, flooring, or basement ceiling, and you’re concerned damage may have occurred, please consult our professionals. There are many reasons cracks occur, and some are not cause for concern. Allow our experts to examine the situation and let you know if you require our services.

Other signs of water damage caused by clogged or damaged gutters can be bowing or leaning walls and wet stains on your basement walls. Schedule a gutter replacement service from Mainstream Home Improvement to prevent clogged gutters from misplacing rainwater and weakening your home’s foundation.

Your Foundation Can Lose its Support

A long and major crack in the foundation of a residential home caused by clogged and leaking gutters.

Rainwater will be directed through a downspout and away from your property by a properly working gutter. A clogged gutter, on the other hand, causes water to spill over the sides and flow down your walls. Water that collects close to your foundation can erode the surrounding soil, weakening the walls and resulting in foundation cracks and settling. If the base of your home’s foundation is a large concrete slab, the soil below can erode away and possibly cause the foundation to weaken and crack over time. If you have a crawlspace or basement, you could experience flooding and water damage. You’ll want to prioritize protecting your foundation to keep the structure of your home safe and secure.

For gutter replacement or gutter cover installation services, get in touch with our team at Mainstream Home Improvement. Not only do we offer GutterRxTM covers to prevent water damage, but we also can provide a complete gutter replacement.

Clogged Gutters Attract Pests

Many homeowners forget that pests are attracted to wet areas. From small bacteria to mosquitos and even snakes, pests thrive in environments that create the moisture needed to survive. Unfortunately, the presence of pests can cause significant damage to your home’s gutter system and foundation if left unattended. Pests of all sizes can make their way through the weakened soil and chew into your basement or crawl space.

Leaving your gutters to rot and not investing in gutter covers can have serious consequences, costing you thousands in foundation repair. Contact Mainstream Home Improvement at 309.762.6244 to replace your gutter system or install gutter toppers that prevent pests.

Get Gutter Covers from Mainstream Home Improvement

A gutter cover installed on brand new gutters in the Quad Cities area by a professional roofing and home improvement company.

Mainstream Home Improvement is the leading expert in gutter covers for the Quad Cities area. We provide homeowners with name-brand products from GutterRxTM to give your home affordable and foundation-saving solutions that keep your gutters clean and your home safe. Our metal gutter covers are made from aluminum and have a ribbed design that creates optimal airflow and clears debris.

GutterRxTM allows rainwater to be carried through your gutter system and into your drains, preventing leaves and debris from clogging the downspouts. This simple solution leaves your gutters in great condition while limiting the maintenance needed to protect your home’s exterior. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our GutterRxTM covers customized to your home.

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