Why Proper Gutter Drainage Is Critical for Slab Foundations
Most homes in Texas sit on slab foundations — no crawl space, no basement. That means water has nowhere to go except *under* your house if drainage isn't done right.
Bad gutter drainage can literally break your foundation — causing cracks, uneven floors, and thousands in repairs.
How Water Damages Slab Foundations
Here’s what happens when rain runoff isn’t controlled:
- Soil Washout: Water erodes the soil under your slab, causing it to sink or shift.
- Heaving: Wet clay expands, dry clay shrinks — this yo-yo effect breaks concrete over time.
- Cracks: Foundation cracks lead to stuck doors, sloped floors, and broken pipes.
Why Gutters Matter More in Texas
In North and Central Texas, we get intense rainfall followed by drought. Without gutters and downspout extensions, that water pools directly at the base of your home.
Slab homes rely on consistent soil moisture around the foundation. Gutters control that by redirecting runoff 3–6 feet away.
What We Recommend
- Install 5" or 6" seamless gutters depending on roof size
- Use downspout extensions or French drains to move water away
- Add splash blocks or underground drainage if water pools near your home
Real Example from Johnson County
A homeowner in Godley had a cracked foundation and stuck doors. The cause? No gutters — rainwater had carved a trench around their slab. After we installed 6” gutters with 10’ downspouts, movement stopped completely. The fix cost $1,400. Foundation repair would’ve been $12,000+
Free Foundation Check with Every Estimate
When we give a gutter quote, we also check slope, runoff, and foundation exposure — because our goal is to solve root problems, not just sell metal.
Call or Text: 682-702-6859
Website: ericksseamlessgutters.com
Protect your home’s foundation now — not after it cracks.