We’ve discussed the numerous benefits of a K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System. Its seamless construction and guaranteed alleviation of clogged downspouts allows for uninterrupted rain water drainage. Our gutter system keeps both the interior and exterior of your home safe from damage due to excessive moisture, but what we haven’t discussed is how our gutter system can add property value beyond the gutters.
Traditional Rain Water Drainage
Normally, rain water drains through the downspout to your driveway or yard. If there’s a concrete or plastic splash block placed at the bottom of the downspout, the water gets distributed toward a sewer or into the landscape. Without a splash block, it tends to puddle near the spout which can lead to erosion and mold.
The longer a puddle remains active, the better chance its stagnant water will become a breeding ground for mosquitos. Not only are these insects a nuisance, but they can also transmit West Nile Virus and other diseases to you, your family, and your pets. While these puddles eventually evaporate during warm and dry periods they will return after the next storm.
What is a Water Retention System?
A more efficient and environmentally safe way of distributing rain water besides splash blocks is through a retention system. Part of flood planning for new and existing homes, this system is usually found in the form of tanks or a pond. Its goal is to collect rain water from the downspouts to decrease the risk of erosion or flooding.
Tanks are the easier of the two to add to your property. They are placed below ground during a home’s construction or on the surface during later upgrades. A retention pond involves more landscaping and measurements to determine the lowest part of the property for gravity-based runoff. In addition, concrete channels are poured from the downspouts to the pond.
Benefits of a Water Retention System
Regardless if it’s a 120-gallon tank or an artificial pond at the end of your yard, there are benefits to a water retention system, which can quickly add up to offset the initial investment. Here are a few of those benefits.
Can a Water Retention System Lower My Water Bills?
The answer depends if you have a tank or a pond. If you have a tank, the stored water can be used to wash your car, clean the outside of your home, and irrigate your garden.
If you have a pond, you can switch it from a gatherer to a distributor, also known as a detention system. At scheduled times, water is released from the pond to constantly irrigate the landscape. In the end, use of both methods keeps public water use to inside the home.
Keeps You Off the Grid
To slowly eliminate your use of public utilities, you can invest in a large retention tank, or several, to store enough rain water for multiple purposes. If you do this, you may need water softening filters to remove harsh chemicals before its used for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Constant Irrigation
When the weather is warmer and drier than normal, the water from these retention systems is used to maintain constant hydration of your yard. This type of setup is a primary way to keep your gardens thriving even when the sun beats down on them.
Start with the Proper Gutters
While retention systems have many advantages, they won’t be filled unless you have a working gutter system. Channels clogged with leaves, whirlybirds, and other debris minimize or eliminate rain water from flowing into tanks and ponds. Thus, your return on investment will be slower or nonexistent.
To avoid this, contact one of our K-Guard representatives in Kansas City at 913-229-7550. We’ll come out to your home for a free consultation, review your current setup, and provide a solution that allows you to properly drain rain water into retention outlets. In the end, the combination of K-Guard Leaf Free Gutters and a water retention system can be a impactful investment that keeps your home safe from water damage, contributes to improving the environment, and pays you back over time.
