A significant portion of home structural damage is caused by lack of rainwater mitigation. Homeowners should take simple measures themselves or hire a contractor who can get creative to install preventative measures to help avoid expenses from rainwater damage.
Our homes are our most important and significant investments. If you're a homeowner, don't defer maintenance, but go out of your way to keep your home in the best shape possible. Rainwater drainage systems are recommended to prevent costly damages. When rainwater causes pressure against foundation walls, the potential effects include:
-Foundation cracks.
-Foundation leaks/flooding = property damage.
-Mold growth.
-Damaged landscape.
And property damage = loss of the home's worth.
To get an idea for the situation at your property, put on your rainboots and walk the property in the next rainstorm and observe the where the water flows. Is there ponding water anywhere? Is there water pooling near your foundation? Is water being diverted from a nearby property to yours? Are your gutters directing water away from the home or are they clogged or poorly oriented to drain at the foundation.
If you notice during your inspection that any of the above applies, a contractor can help install systems to alleviate the issue and potential for damages. A few of the options would be:
Grading Drainage - This is a simple technique that involves reworking the grading in order to slope away from your house.
Gutter System - On average, a 2,000 square foot house sees 28,000 gallons/year of rainwater rushing over the edges of the roof. If not properly diverted, all that water will collect at the edges of the foundation. A gutter and downspout system help drain all roof water away from the house walls and foundation. We recommend 4-6 foot extensions on downspouts to divert the water from collecting at the foundation. This is an easy upgrade a homeowner can generally do themselves.
French Drain - This is a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area. Standing water follows the easiest escape route meaning it will seep down to the tile and drain away from your yard.
Footing Drain - A pipe is installed around the perimeter of the foundation walls on level with the footing. This pipe collects any water that would have leaked through the top of the footing into the basement and drains it away from the foundation walls. The drain is covered with gravel up to the soil’s surface.
Consult a contractor today if you notice standing water in your yard. You may even be comfortable trying the first few yourself. Your investment is worth the upkeep!