If your basement has a leak, the origin may come as a surprise: It could be your roof gutters contributing to the problem. Learn how clogged gutters cause basement leaks and what you can do about it.
How Gutters Lead to Basement Leaks
If you don’t clean out gutters, drainage can become blocked with wet leaves, twigs, and other debris. Just like your sink gets standing water when there’s something blocking the drain, your gutters will stay full of water until you clear the clog.
Water can seep underneath the roofing system or soak through asphalt shingles when it can’t drain through the gutters. Once water get inside, there’s no telling how far it will travel. Often, you notice one day there’s a pool of water in the basement or water stains on the ceiling.
Now that you see the connection between your gutters and your basement leak, clean out your gutters, so they’ll drain properly the next time it rains.
For best results, we recommend that you clean your gutters twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. This way, you can avoid ice dams or water damage resulting from heavy spring rains.
Water can also back up in the basement if your gutters are damaged, for example when the downspouts are no longer connected to the gutters. If your gutters do not extend at least 6 feet from your home, water may flood the ground near the foundation, which causes leaks. By extending the gutters away from the house, you can reduce the likelihood of water getting into the basement.
Get Your Gutters Cleaned Today
Fortunately, it’s easy for homeowners to check whether gutters need repair or replacement. You can tell just by looking whether the downspouts are securely attached and extend far enough from the house. Backing up and looking at the gutters, you may be able to see whether they are clear or clogged. Since tackling gutters can be tricky work, especially if it involves going up on the roof, it’s always smart to hire a licensed professional to take care of things for you.
Brandstetter’s KangaRoof offers gutter cleaning, gutter repair, and gutter replacement services. Replace or repair leaky gutters now, then keep your gutters clean to enjoy peace of mind and protect your house from water damage. Call today to reserve your appointment for gutter care: 513.713.0418.
