Water and moisture around your home can seep into your basement or crawl space, causing a musty smell and possibly, mold or mildew. This is why you need proper drainage around your home. A drain system will prevent water from collecting around your home and causing damage to your foundation, walls and landscaping.
Water can be one of the most damaging elements to the structure of your home. It is essential that you have a good drain system in place so that it does not pool around the exterior. Draining water from your home includes a quality gutter system, sloping of your yard and installing a drainage system underground. A landscaper can help you complete many of these tasks so that you are able to limit the amount of exposure your home has to standing water.
The first step to draining water away from your home is to install a roof gutter system that features extensions on the downspouts to carry the water away from the home. Keep in mind that these gutters will need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the build up of leaves and debris. If there are clogs in the system, water can overflow, causing issues with your roof and walls. Check to be sure that there are no leaks or damaged areas that may allow water to escape. Also, inspect the downspouts to ensure that they are properly attached.
The next step is to check the grading around your foundation. As the ground around your home settles over time, it may allow water to run toward the structure rather than away from it. You want to be sure that the land within ten feet of your home is steep enough to deter water from draining into your crawl space or under your home. Most building codes recommend that the ground slope away from the home’s foundation by a minimum of six feet. Doing so will channel the water away from your home and prevent it from pooling in one area. A landscaper will be able to evaluate the slope of your land and make recommendations for improvement.
The final step to keeping your home dry is the addition of an underground drain system. It should be installed under a basement floor or at the house foundation. This system will eliminate the collection of water that can saturate the soil next to your walls and basement floor. Obviously this is a complicated job and should only be attempted by a trained individual who understands the complexities of this type of addition.
If you are having moisture issues in your yard, contact a landscaper in your area who is knowledgeable of drainage solutions. There are many things he can do to eliminate the collection of water while improving the look of your yard. After all, too much water in the yard can cause problems with the grass and vegetation. It can also wash away much needed soil and nutrients. Do not live with pooling water, it may end up causing you costly home repairs in the future.
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