Proper Functioning Gutter Systems Help Prevent Lawn & Concrete Erosion
Rain, rain, go away. And by away, we hope it’s away from your lawn and driveway, being the two areas of your home highly susceptible to rain damage.
Heavy amounts of undirected rain lead to the erosion of your lawn or driveway, meaning that the rain breaks down and slowly washes away the composition of your home features over time. Here’s what to look for, why it could be happening, and what can be done to correct it.
Signs of Lawn or Concrete Erosion
When surveying your property for erosion, look for indents and markings where trails have formed and grass has disappeared, almost like barron streams. These form more quickly in your lawn than in a driveway, so be on the lookout for these near the perimeter of the home. You might also notice bare patches of soil in the lawn where grass used to grow, or even entire sides of the lawn starting to wither and thin out.
If your driveway has been affected by rain damage and erosion, keep an eye out for cracks and breakage in the concrete panels. You might also notice a wearing away in the corners of the concrete where it meets another material, such as your lawn or the street. This wearing forms a slope of deterioration, as water literally washes the concrete away as it runs along the surface.
Why Does Erosion Occur?
There are many potential reasons why lawn and concrete erosion happen to your home.
- For the lawn, if you notice pools and puddles form easily, it may be due to the slopes and curves of your lawn that make it harder for water to spread out across the ground.
- If your lawn is forming the barron stream around your home like mentioned earlier, it’s most likely a gutter system issue. Gutter systems direct water from dripping off the sides of the home to a designated area away from water damage prone areas.
When you notice cracks in the driveway, this could be from an improperly installed driveway where rich soil is trapped underneath. When it rains, the soil below sucks up the moisture and expands, which in turn slowly starts to stretch and crack the concrete. The slopes of deterioration may be caused by excess runoff from your gutters heading downward or sideways depending on the slope of your lawn and driveway.
How to Fix It
The solution to your erosion problem depends on the source. French drains and dry wells could protect areas of the lawn susceptible to puddles and pools. The most common cause for lawn or concrete erosion is a problem with your gutter system. It could be anything from clogged or leaking gutters or a malfunctioning downspout.
The best way to identify the problem?
Contact the experts at Gutters R Us for a consultation on your home or property. While we can’t persuade Mother Nature to let up on the moisture, we can ensure your home is protected and prepared with a functioning gutter system. Whether you might need a repair, replacement or the addition of a gutter cover or screen, we can identify what’s best for you. Call us at 269-781-5935 or contact us online for a free estimate today!
