Why Are Gutters Important?

Here at Zablocki Waterproofing, we’re Milwaukee’s Top Rated Local® foundation and basement waterproofing contractors. When water makes its way into your home and begins to compromise its integrity, we’re the experts you need to identify and solve the moisture problem. We’re in the business of stopping the destructive power of water from destroying your home, but there are many things you can do as a homeowner to stop these problems from happening in the first place. Your home’s first line of defense against rain water is the rain gutter system. Keep reading to discover why exactly these systems are so important.

The Purpose of Rain Gutters

When rainwater falls against the exterior of your home, gravity naturally wants to bring that water to settle around the foundation. By installing a rain gutter system on your home, you’re redirecting that flow of rainwater away from the base of your home, allowing the water to soak into the ground
away from the foundation. Rain gutters also protect the exterior paint of your home because they reduce the flow of water down the sides.

The Importance of Rain Gutters

Without rain gutters, rainwater would be allowed to settle and soak into the soil around the foundation of your home. This excessive moisture compromises the stability of the soil, causes erosion, wreaks havoc on your exterior doors, and, of course, can cause basement flooding and/or significant damage to your home’s foundation. Keep your rain gutters clean and well-maintained to prevent this sort of damage from happening to your home.

Keeping Your Gutters Clean

You’ll have to decide how often you need to clean your gutters for yourself because this depends on many variables, including the structure’s proximity to trees and your home’s roofing material, but homeowners tend to have to do this twice a year on average. When you clean your gutters, you’re clearing them of everything that has built up over the past months, such as leaves, asphalt shingle granules, soil, animal nests, etc. in order to prevent damming. When your gutters get dammed up, this can cause water to enter the structure of your home and seep down to the foundation.  

Keep your home protected against water damage with a properly-installed rain gutter system, and be sure to keep it clear of any debris. And remember you typically need gutter cleaning every year if there are trees / leaves near your home.

If your foundation or basement is already experiencing the signs of a moisture problem, such as dampness, cracking, or a musty smell, contact the basement waterproofing experts at Zablocki Waterproofing. We offer free consultations!