Gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from your roofing shingles. They also channel it away from your lawn. However, if they are not installed correctly, have a leak, or are clogged, they may dump water directly onto your grass, resulting in standing puddles, which come with the following consequences.

What Problems Are Caused by Malfunctioning Gutters?

Ideally, gutters should divert rain to a place that is out of sight and at least ten feet from your home. However, if there is a blockage or a break in the channels, the water will spill directly underneath the gutters. This can cause the soil located there to become saturated and eventually erode. The foundation of your home may then shift due to the moving soil, leading to cracks.

However, even if your foundation is spared, soil erosion can distort your landscape. Trees, flowers, shrubs, and grass need water to survive, but they can get too much of it, eventually drowning and dying. Furthermore, large pools of standing water will attract mosquitoes and encourage them to breed.

What Can You Do to Avoid These Issues?

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent blockages that could trap water behind them. You can also install leaf guards to stop them from collecting as much debris.

Additionally, pay attention to any leaks in these channels, which are most likely to appear at the joints. This and sagging both need to be fixed immediately by a professional before rainwater can harm your lawn, roofing, and siding.

If your system is working appropriately but water is still pooling in the area around the downspout, talk to your contractor about supplementary drainage solutions. For example, a pop-up emitter can channel water to a less problematic location through underground pipes.

Having trouble with your gutters? Talk to the experts at Gutters Unlimited in New Braunfels, TX. This family-owned and -operated company has over 25 years of experience helping homeowners find effective solutions for drainage issues. From gutter repairs to new installations, they use the latest top quality products and offer competitive prices. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (830) 907-3511 to request a quote.