It is well known that water is the greatest enemy of concrete foundations. Your home’s gutter system is specifically designed to reduce the amount of water present in the ground near your foundations. This captures the water that runs off your roof when it rains or snows and redirects it further through foundation repair Utah.
Our foundation cracks repair service knows only too well that a gutter system in poor working order can harm your foundation. See why.
What happens when precipitation water is not directed away from the foundation?
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Different gutter problems can cause water not to be channeled far from the foundation and seep into the ground in large quantities.
For example, when gutters are clogged with leaves, branches, or other debris, water cannot make its way to downspouts. Instead, the gutters overflow and pour water directly against the concrete foundation.
A downspout that drains too close to a building’s foundation can also promote water accumulation in the ground adjacent to the foundation. Moreover, for this purpose, the Building Code of the RBQB recommends that water be diverted at least two meters from the foundations of a house.
The concrete slab can lose its support
The soil around your home is sensitive to weather conditions. It can react in different ways to changes in temperature as well as the amount of moisture it contains. Certain types of soil are particularly sensitive to it. Thus, in Utah, clay soils often harm foundations.
If the ground under the slab changes volume settles. Or thins out due to weather conditions, the concrete slab could lose its support. A significant load is located on a part of the foundations. Which no longer rests on solid ground can lead to the appearance of cracks. Do you fear becoming a victim? Do not panic: contact our concrete slab repair team.
Water can soak into and even pass through your foundations
The laws of physics dictate that water always follows the path of least resistance. When it accumulates near your foundations. The easiest route for it may be to head straight into your basement. Causing water infiltration, dampness, and potentially mold.
If this is your case, do not hesitate to read our article on the discovery. Of water infiltration in your basement to take the necessary actions.
Also, if excessive amounts of water soak into your home’s foundation. The extra weight puts pressure on your basement walls, which can cause them to shift, bow, or crack.
What gutter problems are caused by lack of maintenance?
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Lack of maintenance of gutters is common in Salt Lake City. However, it is the cause of many problems, which are not all related to the foundations:
The gutters eventually break
When gutters are clogged, the water they collect has no place to flow. It quickly fills your gutters to the brim. Each gallon of water weighs around 2.5 kg, all that extra weight can warp your gutters. And even end up tearing them off the roof.
The walls and the ceilings are damaged
Clogged gutters can cause water leaks inside your home. Water can also rot the wooden boards that your gutters are attached to, allowing moisture to enter your home. And in Utah, during the long winter months, ice dams can also melt the snow under your shingles… You will have understood: it is better to act to prevent this.
Insects invade you
The accumulation of water in your gutters can be an ideal breeding ground for insects, especially mosquitoes. Mud and wet leaves can also provide ideal conditions for bees and wasps to build their nests. The extermination of parasites by professionals then becomes necessary. Because they reproduce at breakneck speed and do not spare the inhabitants. Of the affected houses through Utah foundation repair.
Are your gutter problems causing cracks?
In conclusion, simple maintenance of your gutter system will prevent various damages to your foundations. Make sure these are clear and that downspouts redirect the flow of water far enough. Away from your home. or other debris, water cannot make its way to downspouts. Instead, the gutters overflow and pour water directly against the concrete foundation.
A downspout that drains too close to a building’s foundation. Can also promote water accumulation in the ground adjacent to the foundation. Moreover, for this purpose, the Building Code of the RBQB recommends. That water be diverted at least two meters from the foundations of a house.
