Property Drainage

Making sure that your property is sloped to allow proper drainage can mean the difference between a trouble-free rainy season and a flooded subfloor.  Unwanted moisture intrusion—even at a level not serious enough to cause interior flooding—can create insidious problems that will be difficult to eliminate, such as weakened structural elements, mould growth, and other damage and health hazards.

Most problems with moisture in subfloors are caused by poor site drainage. The ground should slope away from window wells, exterior stairs, and other means of egress. The bottom of each of these areas should be sloped to a drain. Each drain should have piping that connects it to a storm water drainage system (if there is one) or that drains to either a discharge at a lower grade or into a sump pit that collects and discharges the water away from the building.  

Rain:  During the next heavy rainstorm without lightning, grab an umbrella and go outside. Walk around your house and look around at the roof and property. A rainstorm is the perfect time to see how the roof, downpipes and grading are performing. Observe the drainage patterns of your entire property, as well as the property of your neighbour. The ground around your house should slope away from all sides. Downpipes, surface gutters and drains should be directing water away from the foundation

One important maintenance task is to monitor and maintain the drains and piping. Drains and piping should be open and clear of leaves, earth and debris. A garden hose can be used to check water flow, although its discharge cannot approximate storm conditions. 

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