During wet weather, roofs, and sloped landscapes quickly shed large volumes of rainwater that can overwhelm site drainage. Excess stormwater accumulating on your property and adjacent to foundations and structures creates costly damage if not managed properly. Implementing solutions that divert, store, drain or absorb rainfall helps protect your home.
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Evaluating Landscape Drainage
Begin assessing drainage by observing how water flows across your yard during steady rains. Are certain zones collecting standing water or becoming saturated? Do downspouts discharge next to the foundation? Identify where runoff naturally drains through low points. Then develop a plan to manage these flows.
For small backyard flooding issues, landscape shaping can redirect water away from the house. Create gentle swales with a slight slope that transports rainwater to drainage ditches, dry creek beds, or rain gardens. Large volumes may require an underground French drain system consisting of perforated pipes in gravel trenches that collects and conveys water away from the property. Consistent maintenance to keep drains and ditches clear of debris allows proper drainage.
Installing Gutter Systems
The experts at Global Gutter Systems say that seamless gutter installation on eave lines collects roof rainwater and routes it away from the structure through downspouts. This prevents water from pooling next to the foundation where it could leak into basements or crawlspaces. Seamless aluminum systems withstand outdoor weathering. Following proper slope and sizing guidelines allows gutters to effectively handle heavy rainfall.
Strategically locating downspouts and adjustable elbows routes water to safe discharge points. Installing rain gutter screens and guards prevents clogging from leaves and debris. Routine cleaning is essential to keep systems working properly. For especially rainy climates, oversized gutters manage larger water volumes.
Draining Flat Roofs
Flat commercial roofs present unique drainage issues. With no pitched eave lines, water can pond and excessively load the roof structure. Interior roof drains and scupper drains allow drainage. Parapet walls create inner roof areas that slope toward drains. Primary drains route water through interior piping down to the ground level. Secondary overflow drains prevent water accumulation when clogs occur.
Inspecting the roof after rains identifies problems needing correction like settled/warped decking or obstructed drains. Annual maintenance clears debris from drains, scuppers, and gutters to prevent interior leaks or structural damage from excessive weight.
Storing Rainwater in Cisterns
Rainwater collection systems gather runoff in cisterns and tanks instead of allowing it to drain off-site. Water stored in properly designed structures can be used for irrigation systems or septic systems to fill water once sediment and contaminants are filtered out. Overflow prevention directs excess water into foundation drainage systems. This supplemental water source reduces demands on wells or municipal supplies.
Mitigating Basement Water Issues
For homes with basements, excess stormwater raises the water table underground leading to flooding. Interior and exterior perimeter drainage systems are key. Surface grading should slope away from the foundation. Window well covers prevent collected water from leaking into basement windows.
Outside, French drains along the foundation footing transport groundwater away through perforated pipes. Inside, basement waterproofing employs sump pumps to gather seepage and groundwater from interior drain tiles and pump it outside. Installing backup pumps provides redundancy when water volumes are high.
Conclusion
Preventing property damage requires vigilantly managing drainage systems year-round. Unmanaged excess stormwater creates headaches – flooded basements, erosion undercutting foundations, saturated yards fostering mosquitoes, moldy structures, and damage to landscaping. Staying on top of drainage allows you to take preventive measures before problems grow.
With proper grading, gutters, downspouts, French drains, permeable pavements, and rainwater storage, homes can successfully manage rainwater. Preventing flooding and foundation damage provides peace of mind even during the wettest weather.