Landscaping Promotes Good Drainage Around Buildings and Homes
Proper landscaping around a building is critical in maintaining good drainage to ensure dry basements, crawl spaces, and foundations.
Consideration should be given to:
- The Soil. It should be added so that all grades pitch away from the building for at least six feet.
- The contact between the soil and any wood. Make sure that the soil does not come in contact with any wooden construction materials.
- The grading of driveways and sidewalks. Also, any porches, patios, or decks should slope away from the building to promote good drainage.
- Comparison with surrounding properties. If the building is located lower than surrounding properties, a water flow diversion device will be needed such as
- Culvert or ditch
- Land berm
- French drain
- Storm sewers
Trees – Pluses and Minuses for Good Drainage
Trees not only provide beauty but also serve as a windbreak and energy savings device. However, when planted too close to a building their roots can damage the structure providing a means of water infiltration into the building.
The Roof and Proper Drainage
Proper drainage of rain, snow, and sleet off of your roof is also very important:
- The roof overhang should be at least 18 inches wide with a gutter system and at least 30 inches without gutters.
- The roof edge should have drip edge flashing installed.
- Keep the rain gutters clean and free flowing.
- Make sure there are a sufficient number of downspouts to remove rain water from the gutters.
- Install splash blocks and extenders to release the water at least five feet from the house.
Turn-Key can help you access all factors that affect the healthy environments.
