Does your home have a notable lack of drainage? Does it matter? Have you been searching for answers on how to keep water away from your foundation?
If so, then you are in the right place. Below, we will discuss the importance of installing drainage around foundation walls. We will answer frequently asked questions, like how to improve poor draining soil, and help you to find the solution to all of your yard drainage woes.
The Importance of Yard Drainage
Many homeowners are shocked to learn just how important yard drainage is when it comes to maintaining the foundation of their residence. It is essential that you know how to keep water away from your foundation. Failing to maintain proper yard drainage can cause significant damage to your slab and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
How Does Improper Drainage Impact Your Foundation?
Contrary to popular belief, excess rainwater is far from harmless. If you do not have drainage around foundation walls, then it can lead to serious consequences, such as:
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion occurs when water runoff lands too close to the foundation of your home. As time goes by, the runoff will wash away soil. This can cause movement of your foundation because the soil underneath has been weakened or overly saturated.
Soil Expansion
Soil expansion is another serious side effect of improper yard drainage. Soil expansion is perfectly normal and occurs seasonally. Warmer, wetter months can cause the soil underneath your home’s foundation to expand. During cooler, dryer months, the soil will usually shrink.
Unfortunately, improper yard drainage can impact the soil’s natural expansion. If the underlying soil is oversaturated with water, it may expand more than normal. This overexpansion can place excessive strain on your foundation, causing it to crack and \doors or windows to start not opening or closing properly.
Structural Damage
If you have a lack of drainage around the foundation, it can result in significant structural damage. Soil can only absorb so much water before it begins to change. Once the soil has become oversaturated due to poor yard drainage, it will become loose and may even shift.
Remember, your slab rests on that soil. When the soil shifts, your foundation can crack or move with it. Foundation damage will require professional repairs.
Water Damage and Mold
If you notice water pooling around your home’s foundation after every rainfall, then you almost certainly have a drainage problem. When this moisture pools up, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria of all kinds.
Over time, the bacteria will form mold and cause significant water damage. This moisture can seep into your residence.
Signs of Bad Drainage in Your Yard
Now that you know the potential effects of a poor drainage system, it is important that you know how to watch for warning signs. The most obvious sign is standing water. If you have puddles of water in your yard, especially near your foundation, then you most likely have a drainage issue.
Another common sign of poor yard drainage is dying trees or grass. Plantlife is not usually capable of growing in overly saturated soil. Pay special attention to any dead patches near your home’s foundation.
If your yard is properly graded, then it will have a slight decline that leads water away from your home and crawlspace.
URETEK Offers Drainage Solutions for Homes and Businesses
Are you looking for an affordable way to improve soil drainage? Does your home have a serious lack of adequate drainage? Has your poor drainage system caused damage to your home’s foundation?
If this sounds familiar, the URETEK Gulf Coast can help! We are your go-to provider for expert foundation repair and yard drainage upgrades. We will install proper foundation drainage and make essential repairs to your home.
Getting started is as easy as calling our office. We will set you up with a free consultation and get to work resolving your foundation and drainage woes! Contact URETEK today.