This can cost you thousands in repairs and can also reduce your home’s value by as much as 20%.
Thankfully, this problem is totally preventable. Here are the most common gutter and drainage problems that cause property damage and how to deal with them.
Badly positioned drain pipes
Your home’s drain pipes should be around 6 feet away from your home’s foundations. If they’re too close to your property, the water will slowly damage the foundations of your home, causing mould and structural damage. You can attach an extension pipe to the end of your existing drain pipes so that the water drains further away from your property.
This is usually a simple enough job to do yourself, but if you’re unsure don’t be afraid to call in a professional for help. Incorrect slopes can also cause drainage problems.
Gutters pulling away from your home
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There are several different reasons why your gutter might pull away from your home. When there’s too much weight in your gutters caused by a build-up of water and debris, it will start to pull away. Your house is then not protected by an effective gutter system.
To solve this problem, you’ll need a professional to inspect your gutters.
Gutter damage
Gutters typically have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years, depending on the material they’re made from. But during this time it’s common for minor issues to appear in your guttering, such as cracks and holes. If you leave these untreated, water will escape out of them and damage the exterior of your home.
The cracks and holes will also get bigger and gradually cause more and more water damage to your home. Small cracks and holes can be repaired with a waterproof sealant.