Drainage

If you think you need a foundation repair system for your home, it is important that you consider all of your options. Sometimes repair to the foundation can be avoided, and alternative methods look to save you a lot of money and hassle. Drainage is a method for avoiding the need for foundation repair and if the damage to your home is currently minimal, the installation of a simple drainage system can be more than adequate.

The installation of surface drains with low profile catch basins serves to trap incoming surface water. If the water is subsurface, French drains can be installed to catch this water before it damages the foundation of your home and causes damp and mold.

Surface drains

The purpose of a surface drain is to take surface level water away from the foundation of the home. This ensures that it does not build up around the foundation. This type of drain can be a great way to avoid further repairs and the installation of such systems is simple and relatively stress-free for you and for your everyday life.

The application of drainage systems can be a brilliant way to negate the need for heavy foundation disturbance. It will always be an important consideration before you invest in foundation repair systems such as piers.  A surface drain consists of twelve-inch by twelve-inch low-profile catch basins that are tied to a PVC line. The grading is sloped to encourage water running and gutter downspouts can be tied into the drain to allow for the runoff of rainwater.

French drains

If you live in an area that has a low surface and is at a higher risk of flooding, a french drain may be necessary. A deep french drain will keep the foundation of your home dry and safe. Deep french drains start as shallow as thirty-six inches deep and are trenched at a 1% slope to allow for simple water drainage. Usually, when installing a french drain for the average home a sump pump will be required to discharge the water. A sump pump needs to have its own dedicated circuit so if you are to choose this method of drainage you need to be aware of the extra cost of an electrician. This type of drain consists of a perforated four or six-inch PVC line. If you have silty or sandy soil around the home, geotextile fabric will be required to line the trench.

The use of drainage for your foundation is always an important consideration to make before you decide to invest in a foundation repair using more intensive methods. It is important to consider all of your options when it comes to renovation for your home, because if you don’t do the research you may end up spending a whole lot more money than you need to. Make sure to consult the professionals and identify whether you have surface or subsurface water around the home to determine what kind of drainage system may be right for you.