One of the most significant things that you must remember when you are building or rebuilding a house or a building is the drainage of it. Proper installation of drainage prevents water from reaching the foundation. Without drainage, water is kept near the foundation, and there are a lot of problems. All those problems are costly to fix. Today’s subject of the blog will be why drainage is necessary and how drainage prevents your property from being ravaged beyond identification.
What is Drainage Installation?
Drainage installation means putting in a system to carry water away from your building. It can include gutters, pipes, or drains. This helps keep water away from your foundation and prevents damage.
Drainage is needed, but never quite gets accomplished. Water, without drainage, will leak in around your foundation and cause cracks. The cracks will be utilised to undermine your building over time and build humongous problems.
Why Installation of Drainage Needs to Be Done Right
The right drainage is needed because it keeps water from sitting on the foundation. Water on the foundation can cause a thousand other issues, including:
Damage to the Base: Water between the base will cause the location to crack. The cracks will move and destroy the base. After the base has been significantly damaged, the whole building will sink or lean. It will be very costly to repair it.
Fungus and mould growth: Fungus and mould growth could be because of water circulating in a circular pattern around the base. Mould is not good for your body. Mould is infamous enough to lead to breathing issues and allergies. Mould will continue to spread everywhere in your home if not treated.
Soil Erosion: Non-percolating water will transport soil over your foundation. Water levels your ground below your foundation. When the ground is not level, then the building will settle or lean.
Waterproofing Problems: Waterproofing is carried out with a drain in it so that it will shed water. If the drain is absent, then even the best waterproofing will fail. Water somehow seeps through and causes problems.
Types of Drainage Systems
Choosing the appropriate drainage system would prevent long-term building damage. The following are some of the most frequently used ones:
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Surface Drains
Surface drains drain water from the surface of the lawn and channel it into a subsurface system. Surface drains are effective along driveways or pathways where water tends to accumulate.
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French Drains
A French drain is a closed trench filled with gravel and an uncommon pipe through which water is able to travel. The drain should ideally be built in such a manner that there is no water remaining at the bottom.
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Downspouts and Gutters
Gutters are installed on the roof so that rainwater gets trapped in them. Rainwater flows down through downspouts, which channel the water away from the foundation. The gutters are serviced every now and then as well to avoid clogging.
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Channel Drains
Channel drains are installed around patios, driveways, or low ground areas. They are responsible for trapping the water and channelling it to the drainage system.
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Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are installed in crawl spaces or basements to remove water that seeps into low-lying areas. The pump removes the water from the building.
How Good Drainage Prevents Structural Damage
And now, let us think about how a good drainage system will avoid spooky destruction to your building.
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Saves the Foundation
The main reason a drainage system is put in is to protect the foundation. Water, once it gets into the area around the foundation, will crack the foundation. The cracks will grow and continue to expand, and hurt the foundation. The cracked foundation will make the building settle or sink completely. It will cost an abundance of money to fix.
A well-installed drainage system will prevent water from running towards the foundation and won’t allow cracks or issues to arise. It will make your house or building safe for an interval of some decades.
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Prevention of Mould and Mildew
Water accumulation around the foundation is where mildew and mould are created. Mould is unhealthy for you. Mould aggravates breathing issues, presents allergies, and other health complaints.
It will stop water from the building foundation and will not promote the growth of mildew and mould. It will dry out your home and make it livable.
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Stops Water In
Poor drainage will permit the water to seep into the building. It results in flooding of the basement, soggy walls, and destroys the electrical system.
It prevents the water from reaching the building, but it will not soak it. It stops the threat of expensive water-damage repair work.
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Avoids Soil Erosion
It deprives the top layer of soil above the foundation of any drainage. It softens the ground, and the building moves or tilts. It is an issue that will require expensive repair work to rectify.
Drainage prevents water from running to the foundation. Drainage won’t kill the soil, and the foundation will be firm.
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Saves landscaping
It will wash plants, flowers, and soil away with no drainage. It will also kill bushes and trees. Proper drainage will protect your landscaping from water from your yard.
Signs That You Need a Drainage System
Why on earth would you even know that you would require a drainage system? The following are some signs which can inform you whether and when you would require one:
Standing Water: If rainwater stays around your house, your drainage is not working well.
Foundation Cracks: Cracks in the foundation mean water is leaking in and causing damage.
Basement Water: If your basement gets wet when it rains, the drain might be blocked.
Soil Erosion: If the soil around your house is washing away, water isn’t flowing out properly.
Musty Smell or Mould: A bad or musty smell means water is stuck somewhere near your house.
A working drainage system is beautiful, but ensures it flows like a clock. The easy steps are:
Clean the gutters regularly so water has nothing in the way to flow through.
Experiment with French drains, channel drains, and sump pumps to determine if they work.
Inspect your system following a rain shower to determine if you have any issues with water pooling aside from the foundation.
Conclusion
Good drainage keeps your house safe from water damage. It stops water from reaching the foundation, which can cause cracks, mould, and other problems.
Having the right drainage system and keeping it clean will save you money on repairs later. This will render your building dry, secure, and strong for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Successful Drainage Installation
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How much drainage installation is going to cost me?
It will depend on the size of your land and what type of system you have. It could be hundreds or thousands of dollars.
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Do I do my own drainage systems?
Some of them you can, but some will be something that will need to be professionally done. It is normally best to leave the tough ones to the professionals.
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How do I inspect my drainage system?
You need to inspect your system annually. You also need to inspect if there is extremely heavy rain so that you can confirm it is functioning.
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Will poor drainage lower the value of my home?
Yes, water damage is not good for your house. It lowers the value of your house, and it is not easy to sell.
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Which is best to use as a drain system for a sloping house?
French drains or surface drains can suffice in sloping homes. They can carry water away and downwards from the foundation even in a sloping home.