While your home may keep you safe from the elements, it’s not immune to environmental risks. For example, a property with poor drainage can suffer a number of consequences, both inside and out. From gutter repair to basement waterproofing, use the following guide to learn how to protect your house from poor drainage.
Your property’s drainage process starts at the roof, where water slides down the slopes and into the gutters. If nests, leaves, or other debris block these channels, the water rises to the edges and spills over. Instead of making it through the downspouts and away from your property, it pools around the home’s perimeter, soaking the soil around the foundation. Even if you don’t see this happening, you can detect clogged gutters by finding mud spatter or peeling paint on the siding.
Faulty downspouts, which don’t direct water away from your property, or a yard that slopes down toward the house instead of away from it may cause other drainage issues. Unfortunately, these problems can cause water to seep into your lower level if you don’t have proper basement waterproofing. As a result, you might see a brownish line or bubbling, flaking paint around the edge of the room. You might also smell mold or mildew when spending time in the basement.
Start by correcting the cause of the poor drainage by repairing your gutters, replacing downspouts, or regrading your lawn. You can also redirect water away from the house by building a creek bed, which forms a natural river as it rains. To limit further damage to your home’s lower level, invest in basement waterproofing. This seals the home’s perimeter both inside and out, preventing rainwater from permeating the walls, ruining your electrical system, and triggering mold growth.
To learn more, call Cincinnati Basement Waterproofing & Drainage today at (513) 898-9723.