When it rains in the Pacific Northwest, it really rains. Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR homeowners know this better than most. With our region receiving well over 35 inches of rainfall annually, having a properly functioning gutter and drainage system isn't a luxury — it's an absolute necessity. At Kory's General Contracting, we've seen firsthand what happens when water isn't managed correctly, and the results can be expensive and stressful. The good news is that with the right solutions in place, you can protect your home and enjoy peace of mind no matter how hard it's pouring outside.
Gutters might seem like a simple feature, but they serve a critical purpose. Their job is to collect rainwater that falls on your roof and channel it safely away from your home's foundation, siding, and landscaping. When gutters are clogged, damaged, or improperly installed, water overflows and spills directly next to your foundation. Over time, this leads to soil erosion, basement flooding, foundation cracks, and even structural damage. It's a chain reaction that starts small and can end with a very large repair bill.
One of the most common issues we see is gutters that are simply overwhelmed. Standard gutters may have worked fine when your home was built, but if your landscaping has changed, you've added roof square footage, or you're just tired of constant clogs, it might be time to upgrade. We install high-capacity gutters and wider downspouts that handle heavy rainfall without backing up or overflowing. These systems are especially valuable in our area, where a single storm can dump inches of rain in just a few hours.
Gutter guards are another popular solution we recommend to homeowners who are tired of climbing a ladder every fall to clear out leaves, pine needles, and debris. Quality gutter guards sit over the top of your gutters and allow water to flow in while keeping debris out. They're not completely maintenance-free, but they dramatically reduce the frequency of cleanings and the risk of clogs. For homes surrounded by tall fir trees and maples — which is most of us here in the Pacific Northwest — gutter guards can be a real game changer.
Of course, gutters are only part of the story. Once water is collected and sent down the downspout, it has to go somewhere smart. Downspout extensions are a simple but effective way to move water further from your foundation before it hits the ground. For more serious drainage challenges, we can install underground drainage pipes that carry water to a safe discharge point, whether that's the street, a dry well, or a designated drainage area in your yard.
French drains are another excellent solution for yards that collect standing water or for areas alongside the foundation that stay perpetually soggy. A French drain is essentially a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater away from problem areas. When designed and installed correctly, a French drain can transform a waterlogged yard into a functional, dry outdoor space. They're also a smart preventative measure if you're noticing damp spots in your basement or crawl space.
Speaking of crawl spaces, proper drainage around your home's perimeter directly affects what's happening below your floors. A wet crawl space creates the perfect environment for mold, wood rot, and pest infestations. If you've noticed a musty smell in your home or seen signs of moisture damage, your drainage situation may be contributing to the problem. Addressing it at the source — before water ever gets near your foundation — is always the most cost-effective approach.
Regrading is another drainage solution that homeowners sometimes overlook. The slope of the ground around your home matters enormously. Ideally, the soil should slope away from your foundation at a rate of about one inch per foot for the first six feet. If your yard has settled over time or was graded incorrectly from the start, water may be flowing toward your home instead of away from it. We can assess your grading situation and make corrections that send water in the right direction.
At Kory's General Contracting, we take a whole-home approach to gutters and drainage. Rather than treating each issue in isolation, we look at how your roof, gutters, downspouts, yard grading, and underground drainage all work together as a system. That perspective helps us recommend solutions that actually solve problems — not just move them somewhere else.
If you're dealing with overflowing gutters, standing water in your yard, a damp basement, or just want a professional eye on your current setup, we'd love to help. We're licensed, bonded, and insured, and we've been serving homeowners in the Vancouver and Portland area with honest, quality work. Reach out to Kory's General Contracting today and let's make sure your home is ready for whatever the Pacific Northwest skies have in store.