A lack of a proper foundation drainage system is a nuisance for many American homes, and the consequences are sometimes far more severe. From mold growth to uncontrollable pests, improper or unregulated drainage can cause a lot more problems in terms of health and the landscape. Do these issues sound familiar? If so, get in touch with reliable companies and use the foundation drain design services to install the best drainage system for the home.
So before jumping into the advantages of installing a foundation drain system, it’s best to understand the different types prevalent in American urban properties. Even then, America’s lack of awareness of plumbing is still an issue that needs to be dealt with. Nevertheless, these are the four main types of foundation drains:
1. Footing Drain
An exterior foundation drainage system is installed right outside the foundation wall. The pipes are then connected to a basin which directs the collected water to a drain. It is commonly installed for residential and commercial buildings in the US.
2. French Drains
Unlike the footing drains, the French drains are more of an underground system that directs water into a basin. It is placed right under the foundation with the slope directed away from the structure to prevent wall dampness and backflow of the drained water. Meanwhile, the backfilling is usually done with the help of porous materials such as sand and gravel.
3. Grading Drainage System
It is probably the easiest to implement and perfect for those on a budget. Although it’s not as effective as the above-mentioned drainage systems, it still gets the job done to a degree. As such, the gradient allows the water to flow out into the storm drains.
4. Sump Pits
Although it costs more since a pump is required, sump pits are the most effective when it comes to drainage. The pit collects the water, and once it reaches a level, it is pumped out through a perforated pipe into the drains. It’s perfect for those willing to pay a little extra for the foundation drain design services.
Advantages of Having a Foundation Drainage System
Many homeowners in the US underestimate the importance of having a foundational drainage system in their homes.
1. Excess water can permanently distort or weaken the materials that make up the house’s foundation. This will, in turn, compromise the structural integrity and can result in irreversible damage in the long run. As such, a foundational drainage system can keep the water away from the house and instead direct them easily into a basin or the storm drains.
2. Due to the lack of excess water leakage, homeowners don’t have to worry about water seeping into the basement and making a mess. Besides, dry basements provide more utility than wet ones, and there’s no need to pay extra expenses for water damage and maintenance.
3. Foundational drainage systems also offer a hidden benefit of increasing the house’s aesthetic appeal. The lack of water spilling or pooling is sure to catch the eye of incoming buyers, and a foundational drain will be a huge plus, too, as most of the work is done under the house without disrupting the whole landscape.
By installing foundation drains, homeowners can decide where the water should be directed. They can direct the water into a basin and collect it for recycling purposes. They can also redirect the pipes into the storm drains, into another arable plot of land, or otherwise. And as long as zoning laws are satisfied, foundational drains will undoubtedly be worth every dollar.
