The Importance of Maintaining Gutters

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Published: Thursday, 01 May 2014 10:27

By John Caywood, Neighborhood Code Enforcement Administrator

The results of our recent harsh winter and record snowfall are evident in inspection photos that are crossing my desk this spring. According to some local contractors, the frost line reached almost 60" this past winter. That's almost twice as deep as it normally is for northern Indiana.

Because of this, Neighborhood Code has noticed a spike in severe damage to basement walls due to a condition known as "frost heave." Frost heave occurs when heavy clay soils found in this area are saturated with moisture and then freeze. When the soil expands up and out, it can push up a portion of a basement wall or foundation several inches. When the snow melts and spring rains fall, the added moisture further erodes soil now disturbed around the foundation.

Properly maintained gutters can help keep moisture away from foundations and prevent basement wall collapse. Homes vacant for just a few seasons can have foundations fail all because the gutters were not maintained. Fixing a gutter for just $25 can help avoid thousands of dollars in repairs to a failing foundation.

What can you do? Check your home's gutters for leaves and debris clogging them or slowing the flow of water. Leaves and debris can also damage your home's roof by pushing water under the first course of shingles and into the interior walls of the house.

Next, check to make sure your gutters are securely fixed to the house. Heavy snow and ice can loosen gutters and often all that is required is re-hanging a portion of the gutter so the water flows correctly. If water is still pooling too close to the house, consider installing splash guards to direct the water away from the foundation.

City Code does not require that a house has gutters, only that when they are installed, that they be in proper working order. Any complaints concerning gutter conditions can be called into 311 and Neighborhood Code can send an officer to inspect.