Poor Drainage Strains a Structure

Water can gradually wear away some of the hardest rocks and minerals in its path. The same rules apply to homes and buildings, but the effects can be much more costly. 

When foundations are exposed to large amounts of water, they can become severely damaged and, in some cases, irreparable. Drainage correction is extremely important to protecting foundations and the buildings they support. Here are some common consequences of poor drainage.

• Water exposure from downspouts

One example of poor drainage is a poorly designed or installed gutter and downspout system. If downspouts are positioned improperly, they may release water directly to the foundation and along the sides of the house. For every inch of rain on your roof, your downspouts may be releasing over 600 gallons of water directly to your home. Downspouts should be positioned away from the home and allow drain water to escape safely.

• Damage from poor draining soil

Clay soil is known for having poor drainage. While many soil-related foundation problems can be avoided with proper construction, allowing water to sit around your home is inadvisable. This causes the soil to expand and contract, which can cause cracking throughout the foundation and the home’s interior. Preventing unusually high water content in clay soil through drainage correction can prevent excessive foundation and structural damage.

• Damaged landscaping

Improper drainage also causes easily visible aesthetic damage to your home’s yard and landscaping. In addition to pushing large amounts of mulch and dirt out of their original spots, uncontrolled drainage may also cause overwatering, which can lead to root diseases, fungus growth, and plant death.

• Aesthetic and structural damage

When a foundation is damaged by poor drainage, its supported structure is directly affected. Damaged foundation can cause a home to shift, lean, and sink into the ground. Cracks can appear on exterior and interior walls.   A muddy yard due to poor drainage is both unattractive and a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects.

To learn more about the importance of proper drainage and drainage correction schedule a free in home consultation. We specialize in all types of drainage correction services and foundation repairs.

Drainage solutions protect your landscaping and your home's foundation

• Your home needs protection from the buildup of water caused by heavy rains, overwatering, and runoff. 

• Too much water can also damage your landscaping. Excess moisture can unearth and disturb your plants' roots. It can also encourage fungi, pests, and infectious diseases to set in near vulnerable plants. 

• Puddles can damage your lawn. 

• Standing water leaves the soil marshy and makes turf turn yellow or even die out before the end of the season. 

• With proper drainage design drains your landscaping can stay safe from the damage caused by poor drainage.

Good drainage starts with an inspection and professional design

If you notice any of the above signs of drainage problems, call us 

Our team of experts can survey your current drainage issue for areas for improvement. We can design the best system for your property based on:

• Your property's slope and soil composition.

• The water needs of your lawn and landscaping plants.

• Structures on your property such as your house, patio, and swimming pool.

• Your area's average rainfall.

We can design a drainage system that works with your soil's absorbency and mineral composition to keep your property safe. Good drainage also keeps your landscaping green, lush, and healthy.

Use french drains and light grading to keep water away from your foundation

If your home has raised beds or is in a low-lying area, French drains can divert water away from your foundation. Our drainage teams can dig trenches into the soil and install perforated piping that collects excess water. These pipes will be covered with gravel to allow easy drainage. 

The best part about this solution is that you have nearly invisible drainage near your flower beds and vulnerable structures. French drains keep your home safe without detracting from the beauty of your landscaping.

We can also add and remove soil on your property to create the right degree of slope. We can fill in patchy soil to give you a seamless, smooth lawn that mitigates standing water and puddles.