Improve Your Lot Drainage
How much water do you think comes off your roof in a heavy rain storm? Take a typical 1500 sq ft home and a rain storm that drops one inch of rain, this is equal to over 900 gallons of water. This water, all 900 gallons, leaves your roof by following your gutter system and down through downspouts to the ground. This is where most homes are sadly lacking.
Many homes have missing elbows on downspouts, which would allow water to run straight down your foundation. If you have a basement, this can lead to damp walls or even water entry into basement. Once water has created a path it will tend to follow the same path unless remedial methods are used to re-direct it.
Every downspout should have an elbow and extension directing water away from your home. Water is the worst enemy of your home. Concrete pads are great; just remember to install them with the open end pointing away from your home. Unbelievable, but I have come across numerous cases where these run off pads were installed like a dam, with the open side butted against the wall. Wrong way; turn it around!
Small holes and depressions around your foundation should be filled and soil levelled to slope away from house. If installing patio stones or walkways along side of home, ensure that the y slope away from house. If a new house, increase slope away slightly to compensate for disturbed soil along side of house. This is very important because improper slope of soil around your home will direct water towards foundation year round. Eventually this will cause water damage to your home, spalling of concrete or water entry into your home.
Some homes have eaves troughs that discharge water across driveways and sidewalks. This can be dangerous to occupants and visitors in the winter season with ice being a problem. Diverting your run off underground is one solution to this dilemma. Ensure you run your drain lines deep enough not to freeze and that you have an adequate low spot to drain to. Another good tip is to install a tee above drainpipe connect which allows the water to flow out if drain line freezes. French drains are another option. This is just a barrel full of stone or gravel buried underground into which you water is directed.
Water is the number one enemy to your home, so ensure that is moved away from your home as quickly and efficiency as possible.
Brought to you by the Alliston Home Inspector
Roger Frost is a professional home inspector for Barrie Home Inspections and has many Do It Yourself Articles.