Keeping these debris-free is a chore.  Cleaning them out can be an all-day event.  Clogged drains cause water table problems at the foundation.  TR advises bi-annual maintenance of gutters, downspouts and drains to maintain performance.

Most homes built prior to 1998 had poorly-designed foundation drainage.  In most cases, rain water would collect at the base of the house.  The current building code requires roof drainage to exit the building site to a retaining pond or french drain.

Water in the crawlspace causes mold problems.  Look for some common causes of precipitation-related causes to drainage problems:

  1. Water spilling over the gutters.
  2. Water backing up at the base of the downspout
  3. Soggy soil at the perimeter of the house
  4. Water collecting in the crawlspace

Contact Tenhulzen Remodeling for a specialist in your area.