There’s a lot that goes into home ownership. But, unfortunately, ensuring your home has the proper drainage may be low on your priority list. This is a mistake. 

Proper drainage is an essential part of keeping your home’s foundation healthy. First, let’s learn the primary and secondary reasons why adequate drainage is critical for foundation health. Then, we’ll help you learn how to achieve proper home drainage.

What does it mean to have “proper drainage?”

The goal of a drainage system is to move water away from a home, so there is no standing water next to the foundation. In other words, the primary purpose of drainage is to give melting snow and ice – and rainwater – a route that leads away from your home. 

Why is proper drainage important for foundation health?

Without proper drainage, water will run to the lowest part of your property. If the lowest part of your property is the ground around your home, the water will settle there. Over time, the standing water could cause the soil to settle around your home’s foundation. In addition, freeze and thaw cycles and the pressure of the water will cause cracks in the foundation. After the cracks form, water will seep through them and cause flooding inside your home.

There are secondary reasons why it’s important to keep standing water from forming near your foundation. Termites and other creepy crawlies are attracted to standing water. Of course, termites can do structural damage to your home – and no one wants any bugs inside their homes.

Excess moisture caused by poor drainage also can lead to mold and fungus. These may cause your house to smell, and black mold can be hazardous to your health. 

Finally, a proper home drainage system can also preserve the life of your sidewalks, patios, and driveways. 

What can I do to make sure my home has proper drainage?

The best way to ensure your home is adequately drained is to contact a professional before you notice any problems. Regarding foundation health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

An industry professional will first analyze your current landscaping and formulate a practical, cost-effective solution to ensure your home is properly graded. They may recommend erosion control measures and downspout diversions. In addition, they may recommend adding topsoil around the foundation or a culvert on the property. 

Of course, if there are signs that additional drainage may be needed, a professional could recommend a course of action, which may involve french drains, vapor barriers, or drain wells. 

For Help With Drainage Issues in Missouri and Kansas, Contact JLB Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing

If you are a homeowner in Kansas or Missouri, you know how challenging it can be to keep water running away from your home – especially if your yard has clay in the soil. Let JLB Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing find a solution to your home drainage problem today. Call 816-656-6835 to schedule a free in-home consultation.