You’ve got gutters, so the job’s done, right? Not quite. If your downspouts end a few feet too early, water ends up doing exactly what you installed the gutters to prevent. Gutter extensions, on the other hand, pick up where your gutters stop – and that tiny, cost-effective upgrade could save you a fortune in many ways:
- Prevent Foundation Damage. When downspouts release water too close to your home, that water pools and saturates the soil directly around your foundation. Over time, this constant dampness can lead to hydrostatic pressure, causing cracks in your foundation walls, which can be incredibly expensive to repair. Gutter extensions help direct water further away, preventing this critical foundation damage.
- Protect Against Basement Flooding. No one wants to walk into a damp, musty basement, let alone a flooded one. When water pools around your exterior, it finds every tiny crack or porous spot, eager to seep inside. In addition to this being an inconvenience, it’s a threat to your stored treasures and even your home’s air quality. A few extra feet of gutter extensions will significantly reduce the pooling water, ensuring your lower levels remain dry and fresh.
- Reduce Mould Accumulation. Where moisture lingers, mould almost certainly follows. Water that pools too close or splashes back onto your home increases dampness around siding, walls, and substructures. This increases the chances of mould and mildew infestations, which are not only health risks but may also require costly remediation and restoration efforts. By sending the water farther away, gutter extensions directly contribute to keeping your home dry and your air healthier.
Gutter extensions might not be the flashiest home upgrade, but they’re without a doubt one of the smartest you can make. Talk to us today to find out how this slight improvement can make a major impact in your Collingwood, Ontario area home.