Cheap and Easy Ways to Protect Your Foundation From Water

We can all appreciate that April rains bring May flowers; but when those showers also bring dampness into your basement and damage your foundation, that valuation wears out. For those living in parts of North America experiencing a rainy early spring, a drainpipe flood can seem like an overwhelming force. Luckily, there are easy ways to direct water flow from your structure to other areas where moisture can be absorbed by soil or plants. Here are some easy and cheap ways to keep your foundation dry during the rainy season.

Look for signs of drainage problems

The first step is to evaluate your drainage system and see if you have any problems. Before you notice damage to your foundation or water in a room where it shouldn’t be, you can often spot external signs. If your gutters are full and there is no debris in your downspouts, it could be a sign that your yard is too saturated with water and doesn’t have enough drainage. Any time you notice that the mulch or soil is shifting near your home’s foundation, it could also be a sign that you have too much flowing water flowing too close to the structure. Keep an eye out for standing puddles, spongy grass or landscaping, or muddy splashes on your home’s exterior walls, as these are all signs that there is too much water and nowhere to go.

Internal signs of drainage problems

Indoors, if moisture seeps into your foundation, you may notice mold, musty smells, damp spots on basement walls or near baseboards, or you may see evaporating moisture residue on interior walls. Any of these issues require a visit to a professional to make sure the water damage you’re experiencing hasn’t damaged the structure of your home. You need to make sure everything is dried as best as possible to avoid mold and mildew growth.

Correct your score

One of the most common sewer problems that can occur in your home is the so-called negative rating. This means that instead of gradually deviating from your design, the ground around the house leans towards the foundation. This can be caused by landscaping materials, running water moving soil, or simply poor planning on the part of the builder. Whatever the reason, make sure the slope of the soil around your house is about five degrees or more, which will improve drainage. In some cases, you can do it yourself by removing some of the dirt that got caught in the drainage barrier, or by adding dirt next to the house, being careful not to let it come into contact with the siding and insulation. For larger jobs, you will need to hire a professional.

Add diverter

If the problem is the huge amount of water flowing from the gutters into the gutters, you can try installing a diverter on the spout to allow the water to flow more freely. This will direct the water jet from the downpipe away from the foundation, reduce splashing and keep the bottom of the downpipe clean. You can find flexible deflectors that can get around trees and bushes, as well as flatter, low profile deflectors for a less obvious option. They cost between five and twenty dollars and fit most standard downpipes.

Plant a rain garden

Another way you can try fixing a spongy yard with your own hands is to make yourself a rain garden. Ferns, native grasses, and reeds will help soak water into the deeper soil and keep standing puddles that can cause backwater and foundation problems. Fern plants are available for a variety of climates and regions and typically cost between $5 and $30 per plant. Sprouts cost up to $45, depending on type and size, but once planted, they often last for years. Native herbs vary by region and can cost up to $45 per plant depending on the size and type of grass. These plants usually need to be watered during the dry season as they love the rain.