Some homeowners with concrete slab foundations think they don’t need gutters, since they don’t have a basement to keep dry. In fact, however, this isn’t true: homes with slab foundations still need gutters as much as any other home.
One of the main reasons why is that having no gutters (or poorly-installed gutters) can lead to cracks forming in the foundation. All types of foundations, including slabs, are susceptible to cracking when exposed to excess moisture. If left unchecked, a severely cracked foundation can ultimately compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Here’s how a lack of gutters can contribute to cracks and water damage in slab foundations:
- During rainstorms, water will pool on and around your concrete foundation. Continued exposure to water can wear down the concrete and lead to cracking. Moreover, moisture buildup around your slab foundation will cause the ground to become soft, reducing the structural soundness of the foundation.
- Without gutters, water will cause a concrete slab foundation to expand and contract more often, putting it at greater risk of cracks. The less water you have around your foundation, the more consistent the soil’s temperature and moisture levels will be. This consistency will reduce the likelihood and severity of foundation cracks.
- If the concrete does crack, additional water accumulating around your home’s foundation will enter into the cracks, further compromising its integrity.
What’s more, rain runoff accumulating near your slab foundation can damage your lawn and cause the soil to erode more quickly.
Regardless of what type of foundation your home has, moisture control is important. A modern, effective seamless gutter system will help protect your home by channeling rainwater safely away from your foundation. To learn more, feel free to give the team at Bell Seamless Gutters a call at our toll-free number or contact us online today!
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