One of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life is having your own home. With that comes the responsibility to ensure that the house is well maintained and kept in tip-top shape.
Home repairs can be costly and time-consuming, so it is best to address problems early before they become even larger headaches. Consider your drainage systems. A lot of homes suffer from structural damage over the years because of poor drainage. Moisture and water can find their way down to the very foundation of the house and start causing damage in areas where it hurts the most.
Water Damage Risks
In order to find the right surface drainage for your home exterior, you have to consider the risks and dangers if you do not find one. We all know that surface water can lead to lateral pressure on foundation walls.
The other risks of water damage include the following:
- Damaged landscape
- Health risks from sudden mold growth and infestation
- Loss of home value
- Flooding as a result of basement leaks
- Cracks in the foundation that places your house’s structural integrity in jeopardy
All of these problems often magnify the need for appropriate exterior drainage systems to help keep water and moisture away from your walls and backyard. Here are some of the systems that seamless gutter contractors use in treating poor surface drainage in homes.
Footing Drain
This is a great water drainage system that involves the installation of a water pipe in the perimeter of the walls leveled with the footing. The pipe will gather any water that would otherwise leak through. The drain is often covered with gravel up to the level of the soil surface. This levels the surface while still allowing the water to flow freely along the gravel trench.
French Drain
Here, a perforated pipe is placed on a flat yard to help drain any standing water. It requires the excavation of a trench that can slope away from the house. Gravel is then used to fill the trench before covering. Standing water follows the fast escape route, meaning it can seep down from the tile and drain away from the yard.
Gutter Drainage
The heavy roof water can cause damage if not drained. The right gutter drainage system can help get rid of all the roof water. The downspout drain extends away from the house walls and directs all water to a catch basin or a nearby storm sewer.
Grading Drainage
This is a basic strategy that requires working on the grading in order to slope it away from your house. Water naturally flows to lower ground. There should be a continuous grade for the water to flow unimpeded; otherwise, it would collect and pool. Your contractor can assess the gradient you will need to let the water flow to a sewer.
You should notify your contractor immediately if you notice any standing water in your yard. This can be a real disaster waiting in case of a flash storm.
