Grade and Drainage

Water is the biggest enemy that homeowners face.  If we can keep water out of the inside of our homes we can control the interior environment and limit the damage.    Controlling water as it hits the roof and sheds from the roof is critical.  This is why the roof line needs to be designed to accommodate water shed without interruption.  If your roof line moves water to unwanted places it will cause water penetration through the roof and attic area and sometimes interior walls.  A good gutter system that is well maintained and allows water to move into the downspouts is very important.  It helps to move the water from the roof line and directs it down the downspouts.   Where the issues develop is when the downspout clogs up and water backs up dropping water to the base of the foundation wall.  That being said we need to make sure the water leaves the bottom of the downspout and continues to move away from the base of the house.   This is were good grading is so important.  If the grade is designed to flow water away from the foundation then we can keep basements and crawl spaces dry.   We do not every want to create a dump area where water sits and moves directly into the foundation or towards the home.   Often times when people purchase homes at the bottom of a hill they will experience issues with water penetration, especially if drainage capture and diversion measures have not been taken.   Proper maintenance of systems with regular check ups is essential to continued protection of the home and systems.   One should make a point of either hiring a qualified inspector to review grade and drainage or calendarize a self check of all systems.   If your downspout feed into underground drain lines, make it a point to observe the termination points to make sure water is flowing quickly and clearly through the lines.