In certain parts of the country, many homes are built on concrete slab foundations. These houses are almost in direct contact with the ground because there is no basement or even a crawl space underneath. For this reason, many homeowners believe this type of home doesn’t need gutters due to the fact that there’s no basement to keep dry. This isn’t true, however, as gutters have other important purposes beyond just preventing basement flooding.
Slab Foundations Can Experience Water Damage Too
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.
- If you don’t have gutters to move water away from your house, rainwater will just pool at the base of your foundation when it rains. Pooling and continued exposure to water causes concrete to wear down, which can lead to cracks. In addition, the buildup of moisture in the soil surrounding the slab will soften the ground, which can negatively impact your home’s structural integrity.
- All materials expand and contract in response to temperature variations, and concrete is no different. The less water there is in the ground around your foundation, the more stable the moisture levels in the soil will be, as well as its temperature. Not having gutters will cause greater inconsistencies between these factors, which will increase the occurrence and severity of cracks.
- Once cracks appear, additional water will have easy access to your home’s foundation, which can lead to further problems.
In addition to foundation problems, water accumulating on the ground around your home can also damage your lawn and landscaping and exacerbate soil erosion.
Request a Free Gutter Helmet® Estimate Today
It’s crucial to have a good system of gutters to protect your slab foundation from these problems. It’s also a smart idea to have a high-quality rain gutter guard installed to prevent clogs in your gutters, which can also lead to water damage. To find out what makes Gutter Helmet® an excellent option to protect your gutters, call us today at (800) 824-3772 or contact us online.
