Water Damage to the Foundation
Gutters protect your foundation by directing rainwater away from the base of your home. Without them, water pools around the foundation, seeping into the ground. Over time, this can cause cracks and weaken the foundation, leading to significant structural problems.
Looking to replace the traditional gutter system at your place? Enter the concept of a drip path. Drip paths, simply put, are a smart method that directs rainwater away from the foundation of your home without using gutters. It's essentially a narrow strip filled with gravel or rock bordering your home.
Without a gutter, you have the following risks: icicles can fall, injuring people below water will fall, slowly wearing down the landscape, sidewalk, etc. This can also mean more ice in walkways Many foundations, especially older ones, didn't account for the moisture, and this could lead to issues in older houses.
For those without gutters, consider artistic solutions like rain chains. These decorative chains attach to your roof and channel rainwater down each link, creating a visually appealing water feature while effectively directing the flow away from your house.
Basically, install a French drain. Dig 1' down, put down fabric, not plastic, that goes up the sides of the trench. Then install a perforated corrugated pipe - 3” or 4” diameter. If you get a lot of rain there you might also slope it to go to a drywell away from the foundation.
Gravel can help if it is part of a coordinated strategy for drainage around the house. Placing gravel against the foundation could work if the water is piped away from the house at the bottom of the gravel bed. Otherwise it can conduct water TO the foundation, which is what you DON'T want.
Gutter guards, especially when professionally installed gutter guards, provide numerous benefits, making them a valuable investment for homeowners. They: Reduce the frequency of cleaning. Lower the risk of gutter overflow.
A cracked foundation can compromise the structural soundness of your home. Slab foundations are susceptible to cracking just like other types of foundations, and a lack of gutters can be a big contributor to this problem. Below, learn how not having gutters can cause cracks and water damage to slab foundations.
Use a Tarp
Tarps are flexible, affordable and easy to set up for rainwater collection. The tarp can be spread out to create an ample collection surface. But it should be draped so that all of the runoff flows to one narrow opening.
Unfortunately, a house without gutters is more vulnerable to foundation damage when compared to properties that have seamless gutter systems. When water is not diverted away from your home, it causes soil erosion to the surrounding areas, which alters the foundation. Repairs are incredibly expensive and difficult.
A rain dispersal system, sometimes called a “gutterless gutter,” is a series of angled louvers that attach to your home's fascia board. As water runs off the roof, it hits these louvers, which then break the water into smaller droplets and push them away from the building.
On average, a Northern house without gutters can remain habitable for a year or two. However, it may start becoming damaged right after the season's first snowfall. Sometimes, if the damage is so severe, it may require expensive repairs or a new gutter system if you want to stay cozy and safe inside.
While clogged gutters can cause damage to your roof, not having gutters can result in just as many issues. Rainwater can collect on your roof causing deterioration, flooding in your attic and interior damage. This can also lead to mold and mildew growth and even attract more bugs to your home.
Gutter installation requires a lot of climbing up and down ladders and using power tools. It can be very dangerous to climb ladders, especially if you are trying to carefully maneuver gutters and other materials. If you're set on installing gutters yourself, make sure to avoid these costly mistakes.
Doesn't Completely Block Debris
Gutter guards may prevent large debris from entering, but some small pieces will inevitably get through. Another issue is pine needles, twigs, and seeds a tree may drop, as both can easily sneak past brushes or mesh openings, leading to a clog.
Several factors contribute to the price of gutter guard installation, including professional labor costs and features of your home, such as the width of your gutters and your current climate. Below are the most important factors that impact the amount you pay per linear foot of gutter guard.
For gutter guards, roofers often recommend options like mesh screens or solid covers, as they're durable and do a good job keeping debris out. If you're looking for something low-maintenance, a well-rated option like the micro-mesh type might be a good choice.
If a windstorm, lightning strike, or another covered peril damages your home's gutters, your homeowners policy may pay for their repair or replacement, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible. Your homeowners policy won't cover damage to your gutters due to negligence or wear and tear.
If they have an in-house gutter division, most roofers also offer gutter installation services with or without a roof replacement. On the other hand, companies that subcontract their work may only install gutters when replacing your roof.
Gutter guards cost $1,513 on average, but the cost ranges between $652 and $2,461 for most homeowners, depending on their type and length. When it rains, it pours, but your gutters—and gutter guards—have your back.
Stones or Pavers: Placing pavers or stones around the foundation creates a strong physical barrier that prevents soil erosion and directs water away from your home. We recommend choosing materials that permit water to drain through them, such as porous concrete pavers or permeable natural stone.
Inorganic mulches like pea gravel or rubber mulch do not support the life cycle of pests that require organic material, thus, they might be a better choice in areas prone to infestations.