It’s called Raincouver for a reason! So let’s not pretend our homes won’t be getting poured on this season. When it comes to your home safe, keeping water and pooling rain away from your house’s foundation is a big deal. Poor house foundation drainage can cause soil to shift, cracks to form, and your foundation to settle. Settled foundations can also lead to further issues down the line such as water leaks.
The good news? There are some simple things you can do to protect your home. Here are some easy house foundation drainage tips to help you out and also give you peace of mind!
1. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean
First things first: your gutters and downspouts need to stay clear. Make sure they’re not clogged with leaves or debris, and that they’re directing water away from your house. Because of the weather, we can easily get debris build up as well as soils and sands in the downspouts. It’s best if downspouts extend at least 4-6 feet from the foundation. The farther, the better!
2. Check the Slope Around Your Home
The ground around your house should slope away from the foundation. Ideally, it should drop about 6 inches for every 10 feet. If the slope isn’t right, water can pool up next to your foundation and it can lead to all sorts of problems. Over time, you may need to add more dirt to keep things sloping away.
3. Install a French Drain
If water keeps pooling around your house, a French drain might be your best friend. This system helps collect water and sends it away from your foundation, which helps prevent erosion and also any water damage.
4. Use a Sump Pump
If you live in the Vancouver area, or somewhere with high rain, listen up. A sump pump can be a lifesaver. It pumps water out from around your foundation, keeping your basement or crawl space dry and reducing the risk of foundation issues.
5. Plant Trees and Shrubs Wisely
Sure, trees and shrubs make your yard look great, but their roots can cause serious damage to your foundation if they’re planted too close. Make sure big trees are at least 20 feet away from the house, and avoid planting anything with aggressive roots near the foundation. These roots can suck moisture from the soil and lead to cracks and shifting.
6. Seal Any Cracks in the Foundation
Got cracks in your house’s foundation? Don’t ignore them. Water can easily seep in through those cracks, causing more damage over time. Seal them up with a waterproof sealant to keep moisture out. (Yes, we can help with this.)
7. Watch for Water Pooling
After a good rain, take a walk around your house and see if any water is pooling near the foundation. If it is, you’ve either got a drainage problem, or uneven concrete that needs attention ASAP. Fixing it now can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
7. Watch for Water Pooling
After a good rain, take a walk around your house and see if any water is pooling near the foundation. If it is, you’ve either got a drainage problem, or uneven concrete that needs attention ASAP. Fixing it now can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
Signs of House Foundation Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore
Even with good drainage, foundation problems can still happen. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Cracks in walls or floors
- Uneven floors, sagging, and sloping floors
- Doors or windows that stick
- Gaps between walls and floors, as well as gaps between cabinets or counters and walls
- Bowing or bulging basement walls
If you spot any of these, it could be a sign of foundation settlement or damage.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered
At True Level Concrete, we know foundations inside and out. If you’re worried about foundation issues or think poor drainage is causing problems, we’re here to help. Our expert team can assess the situation and provide top-notch foundation repair solutions to keep your home safe.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation. Don’t wait for the damage to get worse or even more expensive—let’s make sure your home is on solid ground!
These easy tips can help protect your foundation from water damage, but if you’re already seeing signs of trouble, we’re just a call away. Let’s work together to keep your home safe!
