Gutters and Leaking Basements

Your home's gutter systems has the primary purpose to manage the water flow that will
affect the home. The biggest complaint a home-owner usually deals with is a leaky
basement. This usually happens after a rainstorm or during a spring thaw.

Grading and Landscaping
Proper grading is a 6 in drop in height starting at the foundation for a distance of 10 feet.
This equals about a 2% slope. More than likely, the backfill against the foundation met this
requirement at one point in time. However, after many years, the ground will settle. This is
when problems usually start. Instead of the ground sloping away from the foundation, it will
change direction and start sloping towards the foundation. Water will always seek the lowest
level and will start pooling next to the foundation. As it seeps into the ground, it can cause
more settling, making the problem worse.

Gutters
This is a picture of typical soil erosion next to a
foundation wall of a home that has no gutters
installed. Rain water falls from the roof and hits the
ground directly under the eves. With time, the soil will
begin to settle and this type of valley will form.
Because water will seek the lowest level, it will pool in
this trough and eventually work its way to the
foundation and possible into the basement.
Remember, your basement is a hole in the ground
that is trying to keep water out. Adding more water
puts unnecessary stresses on your foundation and
basement walls.

Sump Pumps and Drain Tiles
Some homes were equipped with a drain tile system that was installed when the home was
constructed. This drainage system helps with water control and will channel water that ends
up around the foundation to a sump pit located in the basement. As the water in the pit
reaches a specific height, the pump will turn on and pump the water out of the pit and either
into a storm water drain or back onto the property through a long hose. I've inspected many
homes where this hose has been removed and the water from the sump pump discharges
directly outside next to the foundation!

Leaders, Extensions, and Splash Blocks

These items are located at the end of the downspout and serve two primary functions. First,
they channel water away from the foundation and second, they help reduce the erosion of
the soil. Fast running water is very good at moving soil. In fact, it was the primary method
used to mine gold in California during the days of the Gold Rush. It was quickly banned
because of the severe damage that was done to the environment.

Most gutter extensions are not fastened to the downspout and can easily be dislodged. It is
a great idea, especially in the spring of the year, to check that all leaders are in place and
not crushed. Spring rains are coming and you want to keep the water out of your basement!

Gutter Guards
If your home is in a location that has many trees or trees with very small leaves like pine
trees installing gutter guards are a great help. There are many products on the market and
we've found one of the better ones are manufactured by Master Shield. This system acts
as a water filter that separates the debris from the water directing the water away from your
foundation.