Do gutters really affect my foundation?
Yes, especially in North Texas. Much of the soil here is expansive clay, which swells when it gets wet and shrinks as it dries. When one side of a foundation stays wet and another side dries out, the foundation can move, which can lead to sticking doors and cracks in walls. Gutters and downspouts that carry water away from the house help keep the soil moisture even.
How clay soil affects a foundation
The clay soils in Johnson and Ellis counties absorb water and expand, then shrink as they dry out.
A concrete slab foundation does not bend with the soil, so when one part of the ground rises and another drops, the stress can cause cracks.
Keeping the moisture around your foundation as even as possible helps limit that movement.
Choosing 5 inch or 6 inch gutters
Five inch gutters are standard on most homes. Six inch gutters carry more water and use larger downspouts.
Six inch gutters are a good choice for large or steep roofs, long gutter runs, and areas where a roof valley sends a lot of water to one corner.
Where downspouts should drain
Downspouts should carry water away from the foundation. Water that drains right next to the house can soak back under the slab.
Downspout extensions or underground drain lines can move the water farther from the house.
Try to avoid draining downspouts into flower beds next to the house, since beds hold moisture near the foundation.
What gutter screens do
Leaves from trees such as pecan and oak can fill gutters and clog downspouts. Gutters full of wet debris are heavy and can pull away from the fascia.
Gutter screens help keep leaves out of your gutters. Gutters with screens still need to be checked and cleaned from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should gutters be cleaned here?
At least once a year without screens, and more often if you have trees overhead. With screens, check them every year or two.
Can gutters be added without redoing the roof?
Yes. Gutters can be installed at any time.
My gutters are full and pulling away. Is that urgent?
It should be taken care of soon. Heavy, wet debris can pull gutters loose and damage the fascia board behind them.
Do I need gutters on every side of the house?
Not always. It depends on where the roof sheds water and whether that water ends up near the foundation.
