Home and business owners frequently call us here at RestorePro Inc because they need water damage restoration services. One of the most common causes of water damage is flooding in the basement. Sometimes this occurs because of broken pipes or extreme weather, but in many cases even mild rain can cause problems. Often, making changes to your landscaping can direct the flow of water in a new direction to protect your home.
The number one cause of surface water entering the basement is poor lot grading. If a lot is properly graded, the water flows away from the foundation due to gravity. The surface features should slope away from the foundation and prevent water from entering the basement. In some cases, retaining walls, french drains, and other features are created to correct for problems.
Most new homes today are designed to have “positive lot grading” to prevent problems. However, many older homes were not graded properly or have been affected by changes. Natural events such as erosion and settling can affect the grading of a lot, but often new construction nearby causes a change in water flow.
If you do have problems with basement flooding, what can you do? Fortunately, there are a lot of different options. The best choice depends on your lot and how your home is situated. You should call in a professional to evaluate your property, assess the risk to your neighbors as well as your own home, and develop a plan to manage your surface water flow. There are several different solutions that they might consider.
- Split Drainage – In this scenario, the backyard drains into a swale, or ditch, to direct the water away from the home. The front is sloped to drain towards the road into storm sewer grates.
- Rear to Front – If there isn’t a good place to drain behind the home, the water will be directed towards the street. The landscape is sculpted to direct water around the home while staying a safe distance from the foundation.
- Flooded Yard – In some cases, the yard itself floods. In this case your contractor may construct a year-round catch basin. It’s important to keep it free of debris, and access to an outlet such as a storm sewer.
- Backfill Problems – In some cases, the lot itself is designed for proper drainage but the homeowner still experiences issues. After construction, the gaps around the foundation are filled in with loose soil. If it isn’t compact enough, it can provide an easy path for water to enter the home. It can be corrected by filling in with a more compact soil.
- Window Leaks – While not connected to landscaping and grading, in some cases water is coming in through window openings. Installing window wells can route water away from the home into drainage paths.
Water entering the basement is a common problem. It can lead to a wide range of problems, from mild inconvenience to severe structural damage or dangerous mold growth. IF you discover water damage in your home, call the experts at RestorePro Inc. Our team has the skills and experience to handle any property restoration project, including water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. Since 1997 we have been helping home and business owners just like you, so give us a call at 1-800-847-0114 today!