Home Maintenance Tip: Foundation Problems? Check your Gutters!

In homes with basements and crawl spaces, we always need to be concerned with water flow from the roof.  An overflowing  gutter will dump water next to the foundation and create a water leak into the crawl space or basement. In homes with concrete slabs, water next to the foundation can cause movement and cracking, which are bad things for a slab.

So, don;t let the gutters overflow. Three can drop needles, seeds and leaves that can make a real mess in the gutters. Establish a routine for cleaning the gutters that addresses the needs in your yard.

Also, make sure downspout extensions dump water away from the foundation. They should extend at least 3 feet and preferable 6 feet to an area where the water will naturally drain away from your home.

One of the best inspection techniques is to observe your home during a hard rain. Gutter should not overflow, and all surface water should be directed away from your home.  Water pooled next to a foundation is almost always the cause of a water leak into a basement and can result in a structural damage to wall and slabs. Maintenance is easy and simple- make it a priority.

Chuck LeCraw
The Cornerstone Inspection Group, Inc.
www.CornerstoneInspectionGroup.com
770-436-2667

 

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