It’s a nightmare most homeowners wouldn’t wish upon their worst enemies. A flooded basement. Like many homeowners, if you use your basement as a recreation area, storage zone, or living quarters– water damage could ruin thousands of dollars of valuables if you’re not adequately prepared for excess water. You might be surprised to learn gutters, while on your home’s roof, can be the root cause of basement flooding. If you are experiencing flooding and suspect the gutters, don’t wait any longer to get a professional into the space. Call Aerotech for a free quote on replacement, repairs, and cleaning.
A quick step by step guide to resolving your basement flooding issue:
- IDENTIFY: Find the cause of your basement flooding.
- RESOLVE: Take action to resolve the immediate issue (if possible).
- PREVENT: Implement preventative measures to avoid future issues.
Let’s dig in further into each of these steps.
Key Points
- Clogged gutters can overflow at any point in the drainage system. Regular gutter cleaning can resolve this issue.
- Basement flooding can ruin your belongings and create lasting problems like mold or structural damage.
- Inspect your gutters and downspouts regularly to spot blockages, damage, and misplaced drainage.
- Other issues, like the grade of your property or the operation of a sump pump, may also be the root of basement flooding.
Three Possible Ways Gutter Water Can Get Into Your Home (IDENTIFY)
How to Fix Gutter Overflow Issues (RESOLVE)
When working to identify the causes of basement flooding, ruling out gutters is a quick and easy first step. You can start by getting a visual, ideally during rainfall, of how your gutters are functioning. Notice any areas of overflow, any puddles on the ground, or if downspouts are misdirecting water. Learn more about how to know if your gutters are working properly.
Our Quick Troubleshooting Resolution Guide
- Inspect Your Gutters: Check for clogs, cracks, pests, or leaks blocking the water flow.
- Clean Your Gutters: Remove debris and make sure drains are working correctly. Keep in mind that even CLEAN gutters can overflow if they are undersized for your home.
- Check Downspouts: Make sure they’re directing water away from your home.
- Repair The Damage: Repair your gutters promptly if you find broken or cracked pieces.
- Install Gutter Guards: Consider installing gutter guards to slow leaves and debris from blocking drainage.
Prevention Methods for Basement Flooding (PREVENT)
Identified and temporarily fixed the cause of your basement flooding? Here’s how to prevent it from happening again:
| The Problem | The Solution |
|---|---|
| Overflowing gutters | Clean your gutters at least twice a year and have an inspection to make sure they’re functioning correctly. |
| The grade of your home | Re-grade your property to slope away from the home so water drains towards the street. |
| Insufficient weatherproofing allowing water inside | Waterproofing your home’s foundation is a large project but worthwhile for those who need it. It requires digging down to the basement footer to add waterproofing material. |
| Improper drainage system | Consult gutter and drainage experts to determine the most effective updates to improve your drainage. Extending your downspouts and adding in-ground drains are other possibilities. |
| Broken sump-pump | Test, repair, or replace based on a professional assessment. The best way to test the sump pump is to open up the cover and pull on the floater. This should cause the pump to activate. If it does not activate, contact a professional to discuss replacement. |
A Note on Mold, and Mildew
To resolve the issue of flooding, mold, and mildew, you’ll need to dry out the area as best you can and bring in an expert in mold removal to ensure your home is safe for your family. Prevent costly damages like these by cleaning and inspecting your gutters regularly.
When to Call a Gutter Professional
It’s simple:
- If your basement is already flooded
- If downspouts aren’t functioning properly despite cleaning
- If you notice mold or foundation cracks
- If water consistently pools around your foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Overflowing Gutters Leak Into a House?
Yes. Gutters are often culprits of flooding issues. Many issues can arise when the water they collect is not properly drained. From damaged siding and roof leaks to basement flooding, gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home and shouldn’t be overlooked. Regular cleanings should help keep overflowing gutters at bay. Get a FREE quote for gutter cleaning from Aerotech today!
Is My Gutter Overflowing Into the Basement?
It’s possible that your gutter overflowing into the basement is the root cause of flooding. It’s important to clean your gutters regularly to prevent overflow and check your downspouts—and any needed extensions—to ensure water drains safely away from your home.
How to Clean Gutters to Prevent Overflow?
Many homeowners can clean their gutters and drains to maintain their gutter system. If you’re comfortable on a ladder and can work with both hands while at that height, you can likely DIY your gutter drain cleaning to prevent clogs from damaging your home. Learn how to clean gutter drains and some solutions for overflowing gutters.
How do I redirect water away from my foundation?
If your home is located at a not-so-great elevation, you may be able to prevent your basement from flooding by re-grading the perimeter. By ensuring your home sits on top of its hill, you prevent water from flowing down towards your home and instead send it towards the street.
You can also assess your gutter’s downspouts to see if better placement would send water further from your home. This can reduce the risk of erosion and keep your basement dry.
Get a FREE Estimate from Our Experts!
Aerotech has over 35 years of experience. There is no gutter challenge we haven’t seen before, and we’d be happy to help you solve your gutter issues. Reach out for a free quote for cleaning, repair, or the installation of new gutters.
We’re Here to Serve!
Aerotech brings over 35 years of gutter expertise to every job. We’re fully insured, so you will have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and efficiently every time.
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