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5 Tips to Improve Drainage Around Your Foundation

dirt excavation and lawn grading exterior drainage beside home

Many homeowners understand that water around their foundation is a serious concern. Rainwater accumulation can weaken and shift the soil, increasing pressure on foundation walls. This pressure causes cracks and allows water seepage, potentially damaging the home’s structure.

This page outlines ways to improve drainage and how to protect and repair your foundation.

How to Improve Foundation Drainage

Homeowners have several options for drainage systems. Here are five of the most effective:

1. Soil Grading

yard grading with grass soil rake

The excavated soil around the foundation hardens and settles as time passes, creating a dip at the foundation’s edge. This space collects precipitation, forming water puddles that seep into the foundation.

To prevent water buildup and seepage, add soil to the dip until it slopes away from the home. Use dense soil for proper yard grading, ensuring it slopes at least six inches every 10 feet from your foundation.

Avoid using mulch and sand, as they allow water to seep into the foundation, worsening the problem. Ensure the soil doesn’t reach the siding; leave at least a four-inch gap between the siding and the soil. This prevents the siding from rotting and termites and ants from accessing your home.

2. Gutters and Downspouts

Install gutter systems and downspouts to prevent foundation damage and ensure rainwater runs off the roof correctly. An inch of rainwater on the roof equates to 620 gallons of water. If allowed to accumulate around the house, that water could cause significant damage. A clog-free gutter prevents water spills or overflows, while the downspouts channel water away from the home’s perimeter. 

3. French Drains 

exterior drain

Exterior drainage systems, called French drains, help prevent water accumulation by directing water away from the foundation. Begin by digging a trench around the house, laying a drainpipe with perforated holes, filling it with gravel, and then backfilling it with soil.

To effectively direct rainwater, the trench should be three to four feet deep, two to three feet wide, and have a 3 percent to 5 percent downslope.

4. Curtain Drains 

Curtain drains offer a targeted solution for homes built at the foot of a hill, where water flows downward toward the foundation’s slope. They intercept water before it reaches your foundation, effectively managing the water flow and preventing potential damage.

A curtain drain is a trench dug upward from your foundation, typically near the edge of the incline. It resembles a French drain, consisting of a perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric surrounded by gravel. The curtain drain intercepts water before it reaches your foundation. The collected water then travels through the perforated pipe, exiting the drainage system at a designated outlet, like a pop-up emitter, dry well, or storm drain.

5. Interior Drainage Systems 

interior drainage in basement

BasementGutter™ interior drainage systems and sump pumps offer effective waterproofing solutions. Professionals install these systems by opening a trench, laying a pipe on top of the foundation stone, and connecting it to the sump pump. This system collects basement water seepage and directs it to the sump pump for ejection.

Contact JES Foundation Repair for Expert Drainage Solutions

JES work truck

Do you need basement waterproofing or foundation drainage enhancement? JES Foundation Repair has expert solutions to ensure your basement remains safe and dry.

Contact us for a free inspection, repair quote, and tailored waterproofing solutions. We proudly serve the Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina areas.

Foundation Drainage FAQs

Our process involves removing standing water and installing CrawlDrain™ for ongoing drainage, complemented by drainage matting, encapsulation, insulation, and dehumidification. Contact us for more details and a free inspection

It is generally recommended to have your foundation inspected at least once every few years, especially if you notice any signs of foundation problems such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick. Regular inspections can help identify any potential issues early on and prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. Additionally, if you live in an area with unstable soil or experience extreme weather conditions, more frequent inspections may be necessary. 

It’s recommended to regularly check your basement, especially after heavy rainfalls or during seasons with increased precipitation. Monthly checks can help you spot early signs of water intrusion, allowing for timely intervention. 

Shaye Glisson

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.

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JES Foundation Repair service area map of the Mid-Atlantic region.

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