Here’s a surprising fact: snow melts. Okay, maybe it’s not that surprising. But you might be surprised if you go into your basement and discover that all of that melted snow has flooded your basement and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Proper drainage in your yard can keep the winter weather from giving you a huge headache.
Winter weather damage
Damage Caused by Improper Drainage
As we’ve discussed before, there are several advantages to having a properly functioning drainage system in your home. Having a drainage system that is not properly functioning, or having no drainage system at all, can lead to property damage that can cost you a bundle. A French drain system is designed to drain the excess groundwater surrounding your house. If this system is not working properly, water builds up and can cause flooding, especially if your basement has window wells, as the water can fill the wells and leak in through the window frame. Even if you do not have window wells, water can seep in through your foundation and cause flooding and water damage in your basement.
Water flowing off of your roof into your gutter system can make this problem worse. Ideally, water from your gutters goes down through the down spout and is directed away from your house or into underground drainage. If your down spout is not directing water away from your home, it only adds to the amount of water surrounding your house. This can overload your French drain system, cause additional wear-and-tear to your sump pump, and allow water to pool around your foundation.
Here at Aqua-Bright Irrigation & Illumination, we believe that basement waterproofing is an important part of a proper drainage system for your home. Even if there are no cracks in your home’s foundation, a basement that is not properly waterproofed is susceptible to flooding. Not only can flooding ruin any possessions in your basement, but it can also cause structural damage to your home.
“What should I do about it?”
Following our guide to winter lawn care can help to protect your home and yard from damage this winter. If your home does not have a drainage system, or if your drainage system is not working properly, contact Aqua-Bright Irrigation & Illumination by phone at 410-489-9009 or online to schedule a consultation. Our experts will assess your property to identify and repair any drainage issues you may have to prevent damage to your home this winter.