GlennStone Roofing and Gutters offers several drainage system solutions in addition to our standard gutter systems, including downspout extensions, splashblocks and underground trenching services. Why should you invest in a drainage system in addition to your gutters and downspouts?
Most people do not realize the effect of water until it’s too late. Water will flow where it wants to unless it is directed otherwise. Furthermore, water can cause damage to your home even after it has been safely controlled by your gutters and downspouts. In many cases, we find homes with downspouts discharging directly next to the foundation, usually due to a downspout elbow falling off or simply because the original gutter installer didn’t know better. This water “pooling” effect next to the foundation can be a real problem, especially if the grade around the home is poor. This can lead to additional hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls.
Underground water creates hydrostatic pressure when it encounters a barrier such as a basement or foundation wall. During heavy rains, the water table rises toward the basement, which creates more hydrostatic pressure and can exert up to 500 pounds per square inch against the home’s foundation.
Over a period of time, this pressure can cause basement walls to bow or crack and lead to water in the basement, mold, and a variety of other problems you don’t need. This has led to the creation of an entire industry dedicated to basement waterproofing, which can cost $10,000 or more to have installed.
In most cases, this expense can be avoided if you catch the problem in time and invest in proper outside water management options, including a functional and proper capacity gutter and downspout system and an underground drainage system.
The best strategy is to direct the water as far away from the foundation as possible. The simplest way to do this is to add downspout extensions or “kickers” to help transport the water away. This can easily be done by the homeowner by purchasing flexible tubing or extra downspout pipe and elbows and simply attaching it to the existing downspout.
Our standard procedure when installing new gutters is to extend the downspouts at least 4 feet from the home when possible. The farther away from the foundation, the better; however, many homeowners do not want to have downspout pipe lying across the grass because it is unsightly and can get in the way of mowing the lawn.
There are a couple of solutions to help solve this problem. Many homeowners have us install a plastic or concrete splashblock at the termination of the downspout. This can give the job a more finished look and is an effective way to disperse the water and direct it away from the home. Although this is a less expensive option, underground drainage is still the preferred option.
Installing an underground drainage system is the best long-term approach for directing rainwater away from your foundation. When a property has a substantial slope away from the home, the end of the underground tile may simply be terminated and capped. However, in situations without a proper slope, a “pop-up” drain may be needed to allow the water to exit in the middle of the lawn.
There are a number of considerations that must be made concerning underground power lines or sprinkler systems, as well as cement or brick paver walkways, which will determine how the trench will be dug. Every situation is different, but the general goal is to safely direct the water as far away as possible.
This can sometimes be a challenge, especially when neighbors are involved. Therefore, we strongly recommend establishing these drain lines early in the homebuilding process, as they will be worth the investment in the long run. It is much more complicated to install them later. If you would like a professional opinion on your home’s drainage system, request a quote today. We offer a no-obligation appointment with a drainage system expert at GlennStone Roofing and Gutters.
