Protecting Your Investment: 4 Ways to Keep Water Away From Your Foundation

One of the most important ways to protect your biggest investment, your home, is to keep water away from your foundation. You’re able to do this with your gutters, downspouts, and grading. Learn how to maintain these features so they correctly perform their intended functions.

1. Clean Your Gutters to Keep Water Away From Your Foundation

Gutters collect rainwater flowing from the roof and direct it away from the siding and foundation. In order for gutters to do their job, water must be able to flow freely through them. If debris like leaves, sticks, pinecones, and dirt collect in the gutters, the rainwater will pool and overflow.

Besides causing water damage to the siding and foundation, clogged guttering may sag or crack from the weight of the standing water. In this case, the gutters will need to be replaced, which is a costly expense. The first step to directing water away from your foundation is keeping your gutters clean.

2. Securely Fasten Downspout Extensions

While gutters are a critical feature to help divert water away from your foundation, downspout extenders are equally important. If water flows out the downspout and there is no extender, it will simply pool up next to the home’s foundation. Water pooling by the foundation can cause settling, interior cracks, and flooding of crawlspaces and basements.

Every downspout should have an extender that deposits water away from the foundation 3 to 6 feet. Securely fasten the downspout extender so that water cannot leak through the joints. Some newer homes have subgrade downspout extensions that need to be monitored. If these subgrade extensions fail, it may go unnoticed since they are not readily visible. They should be inspected by a professional periodically, especially if they are over 10 years old.

3. Seal Up Cracks to Protect Your Concrete Surfaces: Foundation, Driveway, Walkways & Patio

Seal up any cracks or separations in the foundation and concrete surfaces to prevent water from getting to the expansive soils beneath the concrete. The use of quality silicone caulk is recommended for most instances to protect your investment.

By taking these precautions with your gutters, downspout extenders, crack sealing, and grading, you can protect your investment from foundation damage and other moisture-related issues.

Reveal360 Inspections Services provides home inspections to Northern Colorado. Contact us to schedule your appointment.