Next steps after your foundation is repaired, is to improve foundation drainage around your home. Poor drainage is one of the most commons reason behind foundation problems. Why is that? Water pools or doesn’t move away from the foundation. Then soil becomes over web or erodes away from the foundation. You see you foundation shifting.
Why Fixing Drainage Problems Is Critical
Working with drainage around your home is part of maintaining your foundation and it is important.
How Good Drainage Helps:
- Stop Water Accumulating Around the Foundation: All that water means over wet soil expanding. That puts pressure on the foundation which leads to cracks.
- Prevent Erosion: Water washing and eroding away soil under and around the foundation is a problem. The soil supports the foundation. With it gone, your foundation moves and cracks.
- Helps Prevent Foundation Repairs: If drainage issues are not addressed, the same problems that caused the initial foundation damage could resurface, jeopardizing the repairs.
How to Improve Foundation Drainage
Install or Upgrade Gutters and Downspouts
- Proper Water Channeling: Gutters and downspouts are your home’s first defense against water pooling near the foundation. Make sure they are clean. Check to see that they are working. If they are clean and still not handling the water, consider adding large gutters and downspouts.
- Extend Downspouts: Make sure downspouts direct water at 5-10 feet or more away from the foundation. The goal is to move water away from the foundation. You want to prevent water from sticking around and getting the soil over wet. Extensions or splash blocks help with that.
Install a French Drain System
- What It Is a French Drain: A French drain is a trench made of several parts. It is with gravel and a perforated pipe which redirects water away from your foundation.
- How It Helps: This system is particularly effective for homes with water pooling in specific areas or for properties with heavy rainfall. It provides a controlled pathway for water to flow safely away from the foundation.
Yard Slope for Drainage Solutions
- Proper Slope: The ground around your home needs to slope down about 6 inches over the first 10 feet. This helps water flows away from the foundation rather than toward it.
- Your Yard: If the current slope directs water toward the house, regrading may be necessary. Make sure to pact soil down. It helps reduce future settling.
Repair and Seal Foundation Cracks
- If small cracks in the foundation were not sealed during the repair process, now is the time to address them.
- Seal cracks in the foundation. It helps stop water from leaking in. Water in foundation cracks weakens your foundation.
Install Sump Pumps (if needed)
- Why It Helps: Homes in low-lying areas or those prone to water accumulation in basements or crawl spaces can benefit from sump pumps, which actively remove water away from the foundation.
When to Begin Addressing Drainage Problems
Address drainage issues as soon as possible after foundation repair. Correcting drainage problems early protects your foundation repair investment and reduces the risk of future damage.
Benefits of fix Drainage Problems Post-Repair
Prevent Future Foundation Problems: Proper drainage reduces soil expansion and contraction. It also reduces erosion. All three are the main reason you see foundation damage.
Protect Your Home’s Value: Good drainage helps maintain the health of your. Preventing damage keeps your home value up and curb appeal at its best.
Reduce Long-Term Cost: Prevent damage means you spend less on repairs. Install French drains. Fix slopes around the house. Both cost less than fixing foundations and repairing water damage.
Improve Overall Yard Health: Proper drainage prevents waterlogging. It improves soil health. It keeps your landscaping looking its best.
After Foundation Repair Advice: Ways to Improve Foundation Drainage
Foundation repair addresses the symptoms of structural issues, but fixing drainage problems targets one of the root causes. Install or upgrade gutters, add French drains, and ensure proper grading around your home. Do all these things and create a long-term solution to protect your foundation and avoid future repairs.
For drainage problems, contact a landscaping company. For foundation problems, contact us for help. Get an inspection and tailored solutions to keep your home safe, dry, and stable for years to come.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Foundation Repair Series
What to Expect Before Foundation Repair
- 20 Signs of Foundation Damage – Easy Checklist
- When to Get a Foundation Inspection – How to Know if Your Foundation Needs Repair
- Preparation for Construction Before Foundation Repairs
What to Expect During Foundation Repair
- What to Expect During Foundation Repair – Detailed Guide
- Can You Live in a House During Foundation Repair?
- How is Foundation Repair Done – The Process from Start to Finish
What to Expect After Foundation Repair
