Solutions for Better Gutter Drainage – Family Roofing

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Solutions for Better Gutter Drainage

Among homeowners, a chore that many often miss is gutter maintenance.  Most don’t consider it a priority, but it’s actually a vital step in avoiding costly repairs and damage in the long run.   Over time twigs, leaves and other materials can build up and clog the gutters and downspouts.  If you ignore this issue, it could result in water and structural damages.  Water that overpours from the gutters can build up in the crawl spaces or basements and damage the foundation.  Luckily, there are several ways to ensure that the gutters in your home drain appropriately at all times.

Regular Maintenance and Gutter Cleaning

Remove debris, stones, leaves, and more from your gutter drainage system to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.  Removing twigs and leaves prevents pests and animals from forming a nest, which could affect your drainage system.  Tightening fixtures can help prevent leaks and reduce noise from gutters and downspouts.  Use a small scoop with smooth edges to collect anything accumulated in your gutters.

Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards prevent debris from entering gutters.  They can save you a lot of time cleaning and maintaining your gutters.  They’re also effective in avoiding gutter freezing, stopping blockages, and improving water flow.  Larger guards along with larger gutters can take on larger amounts of rain.

Install Downspout Extensions

A downspout extension helps to redirect water to a specific location — particularly away from your home’s foundation to prevent any water buildup or damage to your home.  These extensions also help to control the flow of water and prevent splashes everywhere, which could cause mold and dampness in some places.

Use Splash Blocks at the End of Downspouts

Splash blocks help to protect your lawn from damage as water flows out of the gutter drainage system.  They connect to the bottom of your gutters and collect water that would otherwise pool at your home’s foundation.  They’re beneficial if you often experience heavy downpours or to prevent mold and fungus infestation caused by a buildup of water.

Install Buried Corrugated Drainage Pipes

This type of drainage pipe has small holes that allow water to enter and exit at a slow rate.  They’re effective in preventing your lawn or house foundation from drowning in water.  They also help to drain the water away from your home while remaining hidden.

Consider Installing French Drains

A French drain keeps water from traveling toward your home.  They can prevent damage to your home caused by collecting any rainwater before it reaches the foundation.  French drains are also beneficial in averting large pools of water away from your lawn.

Install Roll-Out Drain Sleeves

These DIY drainage filters attach to the base of your gutter and prevent clogged pipes, allowing stormwater to flow through and disperse.  When rain pushes down onto them through the gutter, they automatically roll out to allow the rainwater to drain away from your home’s foundation.  They then easily fold back in when it’s dry, saving space in your garden.

Tips for Draining Gutter Runoff

Maintenance is critical here.  Gutters need help with draining if there’s a buildup of twigs, leaves, etc., in them.  Also, apply any of the above tips to improve the flow of water and encourage the rainwater to divert away from your home.

If you have heavy ice and snow in the winter, it can also throw off the gutter pitch.  Using heavy duty, high quality gutters and having them professionally installed can prevent these issues.  Gutter guards can also prevent debris from entering gutters saving time and maintenance of gutters.