Water management plays an important role in protecting a home’s foundation. Heavy rainfall, poor drainage, and changing soil moisture conditions can contribute to foundation movement and damage over time.
For foundation repair contractors, identifying potential drainage problems is an important part of evaluating a property. While drainage improvements won’t correct existing structural damage, they can help address moisture conditions that may contribute to foundation problems.
Here are three common drainage issues contractors should look for when assessing a home’s foundation.
Easily monitor the following three aspects to help prevent foundation problems
Gutters:Keeping gutters in good repair and free of debris can keep water from flowing over the tops of the gutters to the ground right around the foundation. Gutters direct water away from walls, windows, doors, and the foundation as well. Contractors should check for clogged or damaged gutters, cracks or splits, and pools of water or mildew near the foundation. Check for water damage marks directly below the gutters as well.
Downspouts: Making sure downspouts are connected and working properly helps direct the flow of water down and away from the foundation. Downspouts are similar to gutters. If you notice cracking or splitting, denting, or rust, it may be time to recommend replacing the downspouts. Make sure downspouts move water away from the foundation with proper drainage. Identifying these issues during an inspection can help contractors recommend appropriate drainage improvements.
Grading around your home: Elevating the grading around the foundation and ensuring it slopes away from the home can be beneficial. Contractors should evaluate the grading around the property to identify areas where water may collect near the foundation. If you notice chipping, spalling of concrete, or cracks in the foundation, grading alone isn’t going to help, and professional foundation repair may be necessary.
These are three simple things foundation repair contractors can evaluate when inspecting a property to help identify drainage issues that may contribute to foundation problems. While proper drainage is important, existing foundation damage may require additional repairs.
At Earth Contact Products (ECP), we support foundation repair contractors with quality products, on-site training, engineering expertise, and technical resources to help them tackle foundation repair and waterproofing projects with confidence.
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Gutters:Keeping gutters in good repair and free of debris can keep water from flowing over the tops of the gutters to the ground right around the foundation. Gutters direct water away from walls, windows, doors, and the foundation as well. Contractors should check for clogged or damaged gutters, cracks or splits, and pools of water or mildew near the foundation. Check for water damage marks directly below the gutters as well.
