Drainage issues are a serious problem and are best addressed before they cause damage to your home or yard. Leaving drainage problems unaddressed can lead to extreme water damage.

The most common drainage issue is an uneven surface that slopes towards the house. This can be caused by a variety of factors including: bare soil, overgrown vegetation, and paved surfaces that direct water to the foundation.

Gutters

Gutters serve as a protective barrier against water damage, collecting and channeling surface runoff from roofs to prevent pooling, which can erode soil around a house’s foundation. They also direct rainwater into downspouts that carry water away from the structure. Because they are exposed to the elements, gutters need periodic cleaning and maintenance. Debris, like leaves, pine needles and twigs, can clog gutters and cause them to overflow, which can then spill over the side of the gutter and pool on sidewalks or near the home’s foundation.

In addition to cleaning your gutters, it is important to keep an eye out for leaks and structural damage. Standing water can soak through shingles and damage siding, soffits, fascia boards and other components of the eaves. Gutters are typically made of metal, plastic or vinyl, and come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit a home’s architectural design.

Gutter systems can be attached to the eaves two ways: either to the fascia, which covers rafter ends, or directly to the roof. The best option depends on the type of roof and its pitch. Fascia-mounted gutters are sturdier, but if the fascia is nonexistent or covered with crown molding, a roof-mounted system may be the only option. Both styles can be fitted with downspouts and mitered corners to help the trough drain more effectively.

To prevent debris from clogging your gutters, install mesh gutter covers. These can be easily removed for occasional cleaning, and will also keep leaves and other twigs out of the gutters.

Regular gutter maintenance also includes assessing whether or not the troughs are properly routed to drain water. Check the downspouts for blockages and clogs by disconnecting them from the gutter and running a hose. If a downspout becomes clogged with a clog, disassemble it and remove the blockage. If it becomes a problem again, consider using a gutter extension that routes the downspout to a location where water won’t pool, such as a landscape ditch or catch basin. edinburgh roofing

A popular choice since the 1950s, K-style gutters have a profiled front lip and resemble crown molding. They are designed to fit with rectangular downspouts and can handle about twice as much runoff as half-round gutters of the same width.

Downspouts

Downspouts are a vital part of roof drainage systems, and they work with gutters to channel water away from the building. They protect the exterior walls, foundation, and basement of a home from water damage and rot. Without downspouts, the rainwater that falls from a roof would simply cascade over the edge of the structure, splashing onto the ground and flowing wherever gravity takes it. This can lead to a buildup of mold, moss, and mildew on the exterior of a home, as well as erode the soil beneath the foundation. Downspouts prevent this by funneling the rainwater away from the structure and into a drain or sewer system.

Downspout sizes can vary, depending on the type of roof and the size of a home or building. Many older homes have downspouts that are smaller than modern ones, which can restrict the flow of water during heavy storms. For these older buildings, it is important to replace the downspouts with larger, more contemporary downspouts.

A downspout can get clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris over time. To keep your downspouts clear, clean them at least twice a year. First, remove the downspout from its connection to the gutter and empty it. If it is still clogged, you can try putting the end of a hose into the downspout and spraying water up through it. You can also use a plumber’s snake to remove any stubborn blockages.

If your downspouts don’t extend far enough away from the building, they may cause damage to the foundation during a severe storm. To extend the distance that downspouts run from your home, you can install aluminum extensions. These snap into place on the bottom of existing downspouts, and they can be extended up to 4 feet away from your building.

Another option for extending the distance that downspouts run away from your building is to install internal roof drains. These can be installed on flat or pitched roofs, and they rely on a sieve-like cover called a drain basket to catch debris. The drain baskets should be checked regularly, and replaced if necessary. They are also a good idea to install if you live in an area with high winds, since they can help prevent the roof from being torn off by wind and falling debris.

Interior Drains

The semi-arid environment in Colorado means that many homeowners and buildings aren’t prepared when it rains or snows. A drain system is essential for keeping moisture levels low and preventing damage to your home and foundation. At Groundworks, we frequently see issues arising from basements and crawl spaces once the weather turns to rain or snow, especially after a long drought. An interior drainage system is a good way to help prevent the problems caused by moisture in these areas of your home and can be paired with other waterproofing solutions like sealants or coatings applied to the exterior of the building.

In a perfect world, your lot would be graded to drain water away from the house, through a swale, or into a catch basin or sewer system. Unfortunately, builders, landscapers, and homeowners often get it wrong, leading to poor drainage around your home that can result in flooding, foundation damage, rotten joists, and mold growth. A drainage plan can help you correct these issues by implementing new drains, a swale, or regrading to redirect water flow.

One popular option is an interior drain system, which can be installed in a much shorter amount of time than other forms of drainage and requires less work on the part of the homeowner. It is also more affordable and can be installed at any time of the year because it doesn’t require digging up your yard or foundation.

An interior drain system works by inserting a large, durable SDI Pro compact drain under the concrete slab and on top of the footing and into a specially designed MultiFlow drainage system that allows water to escape and reduce hydrostatic pressure under your foundation. It is highly effective at capturing rising groundwater, relieving hydrostatic pressure, and preventing concrete wall seepage.

While there are DIY drain systems that can be purchased at hardware stores and online, they are generally not as durable and have a higher risk of clogging. Instead, it is best to contact a professional company like Groundworks to have an interior drain system installed. Our professional team is familiar with the best options on the market and can ensure that your system will be built for longevity, perform effectively, and be easy to maintain and service if needed.

Exterior Drains

Having a home foundation that is free of moisture is essential to the long-term stability of the structure. Water damage caused by moisture can cause foundation cracks and rot. A properly functioning exterior drain system can help protect the foundation from moisture, keeping it dry and free of cracks.

Exterior drainage systems collect ground water and direct it away from the house through a series of pipes. They are the most effective solution for stopping water buildup that leads to basement leaks and structural damage. Exterior drainage systems are a great solution for homes with concrete block, brick or stone foundations that can be vulnerable to moisture damage.

A sloping drainage system works in tandem with the landscape around the home to create an incline that moves water away from the property. Sloping drains can be as simple as a slight grade to the soil or as complex as a series of drain pipes. Ideally, sloped drains are installed before the landscaping is put in to prevent surface depressions that will trap water and lead to further problems.

In addition to preventing water from pooling around the house, sloping drains can reduce plant decay, discourage mosquitoes and prevent the spread of disease. They can also reduce the amount of nitrates that are channeled into local streams, rivers and lakes.

Depending on the environment, sloping drains can clog with sediment over time and may need to be cleaned out or replaced. They can also be difficult to repair, since they are typically located beneath landscaping, decks or other structures that need to remain intact.

Interior water drainage systems are a longer-lasting alternative to exterior drains, and they can be installed without any need to break down landscaping or other obstacles. They can even be installed underneath a finished basement to provide usable living space. These systems can be a great way to prevent mold, musty smells and other issues that are often associated with moisture in the basement walls. When combined with a waterproofing solution, these systems offer the ultimate home defense against water damage.

Author: JazzyExpert