Two Simple Yet Very Effective Ways to Save Your Foundation

Two really simple yet highly effective solutions to protect your foundation are tying in gutter downspouts to discharge water away from the foundation and installing a French drain to catch and divert runoff. Tying in gutters and installing a French drain can help protect your foundation by effectively managing water runoff and preventing water from pooling around your home. Here’s how each of these measures contributes to foundation protection:

Gutters: Gutters are an essential component of a well-designed drainage system. They collect rainwater from the roof and redirect it away from the foundation. Without gutters, water cascades down the roofline and can saturate the soil around the foundation, leading to excessive moisture buildup. Over time, this can cause soil expansion, which exerts pressure on the foundation and increases the risk of foundation damage, such as cracks and shifts. By installing gutters, you ensure that water is collected and channeled away from the foundation. This helps to prevent water from pooling near the base of your home and minimizes the amount of water that seeps into the soil around the foundation, reducing the potential for damage. After installing gutters, the downspouts should then be tied in to and underground drainage system to divert that water away from the foundation.

French Drain: A French drain is a subsurface drainage system designed to redirect water away from the foundation. It consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel or rock and is typically installed in a trench filled with a filter fabric to prevent soil particles from clogging the drain. When installed around the perimeter of the foundation or in problem areas where water tends to accumulate, a French drain intercepts groundwater and surface water, diverting it away from the foundation. The drain allows water to flow into the perforated pipe and then directs it to a more suitable location, such as a drainage ditch or a storm sewer. By installing a French drain, you can effectively manage the water table around your foundation, reducing hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. This helps prevent water from exerting excessive force on the foundation, reducing the risk of structural damage.

When used together, gutters and French drains form a comprehensive foundation protection system. Gutters collect water from the roof and direct it away from the foundation, while French drains intercept and redirect groundwater and surface water. By managing water runoff and preventing water accumulation near the foundation, these measures help maintain a stable soil environment, reducing the likelihood of foundation problems caused by water-related issues.

Check out this quick video showing these very solutions: