Gutters play the crucial role of collecting water runoff and carrying it away from your home. Without a gutter system, there’s nothing to protect your foundation from water damage. But how exactly do gutters and downspouts do this major task? And how can you tell if they’re no longer able to do their job? Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville explains below.
Signs That Your Gutters and Downspouts Aren’t Working Properly
Gutters that aren’t functioning properly put your home at risk of water damage. Signs of gutter fialure include water stains on your siding, particularly in spots near the foundation, stagnant water near the downspouts and mold growth in and around the entrance to your home.
Downspout failure is just as problematic. Here are the key signs that your downspouts are no longer functioning properly:
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Overflowing gutters – This is often due to downspouts that are clogged with leaves and debris. Ensure that you have the best gutter covers to prevent dirt and debris from entering and building up in your gutters and downspouts.
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Rainwater drains too close to your home – In this case, your downspouts are probably too short. Make sure that the downspouts are long enough to drain water away from your home’s foundation.
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Erosion and flooding in your garden – This is usually the result of a bad downspout placement or the lack of splash blocks or downspout extensions.
Where Rainwater Should Go
Precipitation that lands on your roof needs to be routed far away from your home in order to avoid foundation damage. Here are some water delivery options that you can try for your garden:
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Rain barrel – This is one of the easiest ways to store rainwater and use it for other purposes. It’s especially helpful during the dry season. The barrel can be installed underground or aboveground. Your downspout should have a diverter so that it can safely direct the water into the barrel.
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Drainage pit – The pit is typically built in the garden, and it should be around three feet deep, three feet wide and three feet long. It does a good job of collecting large volumes of water.
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Rainwater collection system – This consists of tanks linked to a filter and a pump, which pumps the water out whenever you need it. It’s a good alternative to big underground tanks.
Looking for the best gutter covers? You can find the most reliable and durable products at Gutter Helmet of Cookeville. With our expertise in gutter systems, we can also provide a range of services to help with your project. Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Cookeville, TN.
