Soil erosion isn’t exactly a thrilling topic, but it’s one that matters, especially in the Lowcountry, where heavy rainstorms and soft coastal soil like to team up against your yard. Little by little, erosion can wear away your lawn, shift your landscaping and weaken the ground your home sits on.
Thankfully, the right gutter system can prevent a lot of that damage. And because we’re your go-to Charleston gutter company, our rainwater management experts are here to help you understand what’s happening and what you can do to stay ahead of it.
What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion occurs when rainwater washes away the dirt that helps stabilize everything around your home, including your lawn, landscaping, foundation and even walkways.
A little erosion is normal, but here in Charleston, erosion hits even harder thanks to our coastal environment’s heavy, fast-moving rainstorms, high humidity, sandy coastal soil that shifts easily and tree debris (pine needles, oak tassels, leaves) that sends water in every direction.
If you’ve ever wondered why the mulch in your garden beds “relocates itself” after storms…erosion is usually to blame.
You may have a soil erosion problem if you notice any of the following:
- Bare or thinning patches of ground
- Exposed roots
- Mulch that washes into your driveway or walkways
- Channels or trenches form after rain
- Water pooling near your foundation
- Siding splash marks
- Dips or depressions along the base of your home
- Gaps under your driveway, patio or AC pad
If two or more apply, it’s time to take a closer look at your gutter system. Our Charleston gutter experts are trained to recognize the signs of faulty rainwater management and can identify the issue and provide solutions.
Can gutters help prevent soil erosion?
Gutters do more than stop rain from dripping on your head. They’re also one of the strongest erosion-prevention tools a Lowcountry home can have. Here’s why…
- Gutters control the flow of water.
Without gutters, rain slides right off your roof and hits the ground like a waterfall. That force erodes soil fast, especially Charleston’s sandy soil. A properly installed gutter system catches that water before it can cause damage.
- Downspouts carry water away from your home.
This is where erosion control truly takes effect. Downspouts direct water several feet away from the foundation, giving soil a fighting chance to stay where it belongs.
- Gutter guards keep everything flowing.
Overflow is one of the main causes of erosion. If your gutters clog with leaves or pine needles, water spills straight over the edge and right into your soil. Gutter guards help prevent that overflow.
- They stop splash-back against your siding.
No gutters or clogged gutters mean water hits the ground and ricochets back onto your home. That leads to soil displacement, staining, mold and softening of the earth near your foundation.
- They protect the soil right at your foundation line.
The most important soil on your property is the strip that sits directly against your home. When water isn’t controlled, that soil washes away first, and that’s what leads to foundation settling and cracks. Gutters help keep this area stable so your home stays on solid ground.
And if you ignore soil erosion? We can sum that up with one simple word: “Regret.” When left unchecked, soil erosion can do costly damage to your beautiful Charleston home. This can look like:
- Foundation cracks or settling
- Moisture intrusion
- Standing water and mosquito breeding
- Rot around the home’s perimeter
- Trip hazards from sinking soil
- Washed-out landscaping
- Damage to walkways or driveways
If you’re noticing runoff, standing water, clogging or erosion near the foundation, it’s time to call in the pros.
Protect your home from the ground up!
Soil erosion may start small, but it rarely stays small. A high-quality gutter system helps keep water where it belongs, protects your soil and your home, and gives you peace of mind when the next Charleston storm rolls through. Contact our team today for a free estimate on gutter services, including new gutter installation, gutter maintenance and gutter guards.
