Drainage Issues

Water is one of the greatest detriments to a foundation. Even the most sturdy and modern foundation system will fall far short of its lifespan if it’s exposed to an onslaught of pooling water. This is why homes have gutters and downspouts. Many homeowners don’t believe a seemingly benign puddle can cause foundational damage. This post is intended to convince them otherwise.

The Implications of Poor Drainage Around a House

How exactly does water damage a foundation? Water that is allowed to remain in a single place for prolonged periods produces the ideal growing conditions for mold and fungus. This is especially the case after a storm, which leads to a pooling of gray and even black water. The damage can also extend to the basement. This leads to interior wood rot and increased risk of indoor flooding. In turn, this can damage other components, such as the electrical wiring.

Another problem is that the water can seep into the soil. This can lead to some parts of the soil expanding that shifts the foundation, leading to cracks. The amount of water absorption by the soil depends on the geographic location. Some parts of the Dallas, TX, region have clay soils. This makes a properly functioning drainage system all the more important.

How to Improve Drainage

First, inspect your gutter system. Get on a ladder and clean out any debris. You should do this after every storm. While up there, check the unit for damage. If the gutter is sagging or detaching from the house, then it needs repairs or a replacement. Also, check the downspout. As a general rule, the point where the water exits should at least be three-feet away from the house’s base. We can’t overstate the importance of this. Every inch of rain that hits the roof causes as much as 600 gallons of water runoff that exits the downspout. You don’t want that amount of water resting near the foundation.

Sprinklers are another primary source of pooling water. Invest in a sprinkler and irrigation system that automatically adjusts settings. Nowadays, there are smart sprinkler devices that enable users to turn the system on and off via mobile device.

We Improve Residential Drainage

Our foundation repair services include drainage system repair. Poor drainage near the foundation can result in cost-prohibitive damage. Prevent this altogether by calling Align Foundation Repair.

The structural integrity of your home rests on its foundation. When foundational damage occurs, Texas homeowners are on high alert. In many cases, water seepage and excess moisture are the culprits.

What exactly happens when water collects around a home’s foundation? And what are the possible causes? At Align Foundation Repair, we have the answers.

Potential Causes of Water Seepage

• Blocked gutters and downspouts that cause water to fall against the structure and foundation
• Improper grading that directs water toward the home
• Extensive drought followed by flash flooding, a common problem in Texas
• Plumbing leaks and burst pipes
• A malfunctioning sump pump
• Poor drainage
• Tree roots that are very close to the foundation, pulling in moisture
• Expanding and contracting soil that erodes, allowing water to infiltrate

How Does Water Impact the Foundation?

When water collects around a foundation, it creates pressure on the structure. This is further exacerbated by expansive clay soil that is common throughout Texas. During heavy rains or prolonged contact with water, the soil swells significantly. When the water evaporates during dry spells, the soil shrinks. This constant movement with the changes of season creates tremendous stress. It can result in hydrostatic plumbing issues and structural damage.

Cracks and horizontal fissures in the foundation are potential signs of water infiltration. You may also notice a musty odor, bubbling paint, and mildew on the walls. If the problem is neglected for long periods of time, you may soon need professional foundation repair services.

If you suspect water seepage or drainage problems near your foundation, it is essential to take proactive measures before minor issues become more extensive and costly to fix. And if you’re looking for Richardson foundation repair specialists, you’ve come to the right place.

Trusted Foundation Repair Richardson TX

If you are concerned that your foundation is being compromised by water seepage, a professional inspection is a smart idea. Align Foundation Repair can identify underlying problems causing excess moisture that the average homeowner is likely to miss.

We offer foundation repair services in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area for both homeowners and commercial properties. Protect your investment and gain peace of mind knowing our high-quality work is backed by an industry-leading warranty.

Not sure if you are in our Richardson TX foundation repair service area? Contact us today to arrange a free inspection and estimate.

A surface drain protects your home or commercial property from the effects of standing water. It works in conjunction with safeguards such as grading, contouring, and sloping while also providing a multi-layered defense against the impact of rain and other forms of precipitation.

Why is a surface drain so important?

To understand the importance of having good drainage solutions, take a few minutes to look around your property after the next downpour. You’ll probably see pools of standing water against your home’s foundation or scattered across the landscape.

Left uncorrected, these miniature swamps can wreak havoc with your lawn, your property values, or even your health. Here’s why:

• Stagnant water creates dips and depressions: The kind that can erode valuable topsoil or even cause trip and fall hazards.
• Water pooled against your foundation will eventually cause a leaking basement or crawl space: It’s like a ticking time bomb beneath your feet. Sooner or later, the unwanted moisture will find its way into your home or commercial building, causing wood to rot and concrete to crumble.
• Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and pests: Keep mosquitoes, rats, and disease-causing organisms off your property. Long-term standing water is also a prime cause of mold, which in certain forms can trigger allergies and interfere with breathing.
• Standing water causes excessive soil movement that leads to foundation issues: Clay-based soils expand when exposed to water, and can shift your foundation unevenly. Some soils collapse in the presence of water and can no longer support the load of the house.

Architects and construction workers are well-acquainted with the problems caused by rainwater. That’s why they include gutters and drainage spouts in their designs.

But these measures, while helpful, may not protect your property from the dangers associated with standing water. This is especially true if your land is poorly graded or improperly percolated.

The best way to address these problems is with surface drain installation. Here’s how it works:

1. A contractor installs underground pipes and a catch basin: Gravel is placed beneath these components to allow excess water to flow into the ground.
2. The pipes are topped off with either a flat or atrium grate: This is done to prevent people or animals from falling into the drain. It also helps to control soil seepage and plant growth inside the pipes.
3. The pipes flow to a carefully chosen location: Most often, this location is a city sewer facility in urban areas or a river or stream in rural areas.

Surface drains vs. French drains: what’s the difference?

The primary purpose of a surface drain is to catch water that would otherwise remain above ground. On the other hand, a French drain is primarily used for water that would otherwise saturate the underlying soil and cause root rot or other problems.

A French drain is visible above ground as a channel filled with gravel or stone. A surface drain is usually covered by earth and invisible except for the entrance grate and exit points.

Want to know more? Give us a call

Here at Align Foundation Repair, our technicians are experts in all aspects of surface drain installation. Contact us today to learn more or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote. We look forward to hearing from you.

As with all other exterior drains, the primary purpose of an area drain is to shuttle water away from the foundation. However, what makes its application different from other drain types? What are the right circumstances for area drain usage in North Texas?

What is an Area Drain?

First, it helps to understand how an area drain is constructed. The drain system and its pipes are installed below the soil. The construction extends beyond the drainage system itself. For an area drain to be effective, the trench the system is built under needs to be slightly sloped downwards. This allows gravity to do the job by enabling water to naturally flow downward through the pipes and through an exit basin located away from property grounds.

An area drain has an open grate for water to enter. The connecting pipes are angled downwards and flow to the exit grate. The exit point may be near or beyond the property boundaries. Ideally, it should be an open area that gets ample and direct sunlight to allow for optimal evaporation.

When is an Area Drain Necessary?

A technician may recommend an area drain if you have a recurring problem with ponding water after a rain spell. The fact that water is lingering for extended periods indicates that the ground is flat, thus not allowing water to naturally flow where a slope descends. Even if you don’t see puddles directly, you may notice an excessively soggy lawn that takes upwards of days to dry out. Additionally, you may also notice water getting into the crawlspace. Worse, water may seep into the ground level of your home.

If left untreated, the ponding water can lead to soil erosion, creating gaps in the ground that enables even more water to collect. If it makes contact with the foundation, it can make its way into areas where cracks and openings are present and exacerbate existing damage to the slab.

Area Drains Are Made to Specific Residential Requirements

One of the best attributes of area drains is that they can be built to specifications most beneficial for the layout of your land. If your neighbor’s property sits higher than yours, for example, water may divert from the neighbor’s plot of land to yours. An area drain can be installed at the specific point where water enters from the neighbor’s property.

In addition, the exit pipe can also be positioned in accordance with city ordinance. Some municipalities have regulations regarding where water can and cannot be redirected.

We Install Area Drains

Do you find water remaining on your lawn long after rain? Your existing drainage system may be inadequate. An area drain may be the appropriate corrective action. The purpose of an area drain system is precisely to remove the water that can cause structural damage and invite mold and mildew growth. Take measures before the situation gets worse by calling Align Foundation Repair. We provide a free estimate with every consultation.