Poor Drainage Around Your Home Can Cause Problems

Poor drainage conditions can leave your home vulnerable to a number of serious health, safety and financial concerns.

Soils with clay expand as they absorb water. And contract as they dry. That can cause foundation damage. Landscapes sloped toward the house can cause numerous problems. Absence of gutters or downspouts separated from a total drainage solution are working against your home, too.

Gutters:  A lack of gutters or having your downspouts disconnected from a proper drainage solution can dump lots of excess water into the soil surrounding your home. This excess moisture can cause clay soils to expand, often causing that part of your foundation to “heave” upward or settle. This can result in the same loss of support or stability of your foundation and leave cracks in your interior walls or exterior brick.

Sloped Landscapes:  This can cause water to pool in areas around your home, causing the same issues mentioned above. Sprinkler systems that put too much water in the wrong places can also cause problems.

Excess Soil Moisture:  Too much water can create “hydrostatic pressure” causing the soil to expand. When the soil expands, it puts excess pressure on your home’s foundation which can lead to structural and cosmetic damage.

Without a proper water management solution, your home can be exposed to extensive damage and may lose value.

A thorough and proper exterior water management solution addressing all of the issues is the surest way of controlling drainage problems and helping to prevent future foundation damage resulting from excess soil moisture.