Gutter Drainage Problems and How to Fix Them

Gutters are an essential part of the building envelope because they divert roof water away from the foundation.

Gutters, downspouts, and extensions are important components of a roof drainage system.

If gutter systems are not maintained well or are damaged, roof water can seep into the foundation backfill and affect the foundation's soil and structural stability. Some soil types are sensitive to water.

Chapter 29 (Section P2912.5) of the International Residential Code (IRC) applies to roof drainage and gutters.

---

Common Gutter Conditions

Gutters, downspouts, extensions, and discharge points need continuous maintenance and must be repaired if damaged.

---

1. Disconnected Gutter Components

Without downspouts or extensions, water is released at the foundation's edge and seeps into the soil. Solution: Re-connect all gutter system components.

---

2. Damaged Gutter Downspouts

Damaged gutter downspouts can be caused by wind, vehicles, or the general lack of maintenance. Solution: Replace damaged gutter system components.

---

3. Upright Gutter Extensions

Upright gutter extensions allow water to discharge along the foundation's edge. Solution: Always keep gutter extensions rotated downward.

---

---

4. Barriers to Flow: Sidewalks

Water builds up behind the edges of sidewalks and seeps into the ground instead of flowing away from the foundation. Solution: Install sidewalk chase or install below-ground pipe to drain downspouts.

---

5. Barriers to Flow: Non-Perforated Lawn Edging

Water builds up behind the edges of sidewalks and seeps into the ground instead of flowing away from the foundation. Solution: Install sidewalk chase or install below-ground pipe to drain downspouts.

---

6. Barriers to Flow: Curbs

Curbs block water from properly flowing away from the foundation. Solution: Provide an opening in the curb for water to flow through, or re-route the gutter extension.

---

---

7. Discharge Near Retaining Walls

Water must be routed away from retaining walls. Solution: Re-route the gutter extensions away from the retaining wall using either above-ground or below-ground extensions.

---

8. Discharge to Low Spots Around the Foundation

Water must adequately flow away from the foundation. Solution: Fix grading and/or provide buried gutter extensions to re-route the water.

---

I hope this information was helpful to you. For additional topics related to construction defects, go to SiteDamage.com.

Visit my photo collections page, which has examples of damage that can be due to construction defects.  

Mike's Photo Collections

Mike

---

Additional Resources

• Foundations 

• Drainage

• Soil 

• Erosion

• Concrete Flatwork

• Asphalt Pavement

• Concrete Pavement

• Masonry Pavement 

• Retaining Walls