06/12/2022
Understanding and Maintaining Lot Drainage
Once you have assumed ownership of your property, the onus for maintaining proper drainage becomes your, the homeowner’s, responsibility. You are responsible for managing the water shed ensuring that adjacent homes and yards are not affected by the water discharge from your property.
One of the simplest methods of preventing water intrusion is adequate roof drainage. Eavestroughs move water toward downspouts and away from your home. Eavestroughs need to be sloped towards downspouts and must be clear of leaves and debris to work efficiently. If your eaves are continuously littered with leaves from overhanging trees, it’s recommended to install gutter guards. This will lessen the frequency the gutters will need to be cleared. Directing water away from the perimeter of the home reduces the opportunity for water to enter along basement walls.
Standing water near the perimeter of the building can result in problems with your foundation. It is important to eliminate the pooling water along the foundation by correcting the lot grading and any areas that have settled. Where the settlement has occurred remove any topsoil, as rainwater will drain through it and the area will continue to hold water. After the area is exposed add and compact the clay-based fill material. Keep in mind your lot is graded for proper water drainage during normal rainfall, heavy or prolonged rains may still result in some standing water in your yard.
