Managing rainwater flows from roof to ground is crucial for homeowners seeking to prevent foundation damage, flooding issues, and excessive moisture seepage into basements or crawlspaces. Implementing effective gutter systems, grading the landscape properly, improving drainage, and waterproofing foundations are key to safely directing water away from the home.
Gutters and Downspouts: The First Line of Defense
Gutters and downspouts serve as the first critical step in controlling the gallons of rainwater that run off roofs. Keeping these systems properly sloped, free of debris, secured to the home, and directing water into functioning downspouts is vital. When gutters overflow because of clogs from leaves, needles, and debris, it leads to a host of problems such as wood rot, soil erosion around foundations, flooded basements, and excess water seeping into crawlspaces.
Homeowners should make it a priority to inspect and clean their gutters at least two times per year in the …