Drainage: Drainage around any house is important. Damage in any home is usually caused by water infiltration or poor drainage. Drainage can be improved in almost every home.

Older homes were usually built on flat lots. As a result, the drainage was marginal on the onset, and usually got worse as the house aged. Soils settled and compacted near the foundation and before long the drainage sloped toward the house instead of away from the foundation.

Contractors generally build the foundation of newer houses higher on the lot, thereby providing initial positive drainage. We also use underground drainage systems or downspout extensions to help remove the water. In addition, most new houses are landscaped using a system called xeriscape, which is designed to create a buffer zone between regularly watered areas and your foundation. This six foot area between the grass and foundation, if it contains plants, will utilize native plants which require little water. Often rock or bark is used and the area is left unplanted.

Many of our newer homes have sump pumps and a perimeter drainage system installed by the contractor. This type of drain system is good to have as it provides a way to deal with moisture that may accumulate under basement slabs. This system, however, is not a replacement for good exterior drainage. It is important to test this type of equipment occasionally to be sure that it remains in the desired working condition. If the pump fails, water can accumulate in the sump and may overflow. If this sump remains dry, your exterior drainage is performing as designed. If you accumulate water, then your exterior drainage could be improved.

If you have marginal or poor drainage, or if you notice water ponding near the foundation, then you should take steps to improve the condition. If rock, bark, or grass is left in place, water may be able to flow under the new fill, negating any benefit.  Fill soils should not be placed against or near organic siding. The best fill material is common clay dirt, not sand, gravel or topsoil.