Keep Your Gutters Clean for a Dry Basement

Dry basements begin with effective exterior surface drainage. If water is allowed to pool against your home, it will eventually work its way inside. And that’s exactly why it’s important to keep your gutters clean, and the water flowing during these Fall months.

As leaves and twigs fall from the trees, they landing on your roof and in your gutters. With even just one rainfall, these leaves and twigs may carried by the water toward and over the downspouts, and could pose a clogging hazard if enough material accumulates.

If a clog occurs, water is going to begin to rise within the gutter channels, and eventually spill over the site. When this happens, large volumes of water will splash and pool around your foundation walls. Not only can this water make it into above ground foundation cracks and window sills, but through existing foundation cracks as well.

What to Look Out For

If you’re concerned about water coming in from the exterior of your home, it helps to do an annual or semi-annual inspection of the perimeter of your foundation.

Look for things like above-grade foundation cracks, improper grading, and small trenches in the soil parallel to your foundation wall, as this can be a sign of water spilling over your gutters. Above all, make sure your gutters are clear of debris, and your downspouts are fully attached and extended a minimum of 4′ away from your foundation.