Damaged Gutters May Result in a Flooded Basement

By Maria McCutchen

Water damage in a home can be devastating. Basements are very popular areas of a home for water damage, and are notorious for being flooded. When water damage happens in a basement, most homeowners will look to all different types of issues; such as leaky windows or roof problems, but may overlook the gutter system.

Gutters are the drainage system, in effect, for your home. They keep the rain water running in a system that prevents it from draining into the house. When the gutters are clogged or broken, the water has no where to drain. When this happens, the water stays up close to the house and will eventually make its way to the foundation. Once it reaches the foundation, it will eventually make its way to the basement.

Gutter systems are notorious for getting clogged. They require regular maintenance in order to work and function properly. This means to make sure the gutters are free of leaves and debris. When gutters are full of entrapments, water is unable to flow. This causes the water to sit, and eventually find other paths for drainage. The water will eventually seep through the cracks of the gutter connections and make its way into the foundation of the house. Because water flows in a downward motion, it will follow the foundation down to the lowest point of the house, which for those houses with a basement, this is where the water will end up. Over time, this can cause a flooding problem in the home.

It is recommended that gutters be cleaned thoroughly every year. After the fall season, when falling leaves tend to build up in the gutters, is a good time to have them cleaned. Making sure all the gutter connections are intact and there are no breaks in the system is also recommended. Good gutter care can save you from water damage, and a big bill.