Overflowing gutters could be the cause of a drainage problem.
Water complications can cause serious property damage, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs if left unchecked. You don’t need to be an inspector to recognize that puddles in the basement or a lake on your lawn are clear signs of drainage trouble. However, not all drainage problems are so obvious. Here are a few of the more subtle signs of potential water damage.
Overflowing Gutters
If rain is cascading over the edge of your gutters, dead leaves and debris may be blocking the flow. Spattered mud or paint peeling off the siding of your house are also indications. If overflowing gutters aren’t corrected, they can cause siding rot, ruin paint jobs and even cause structural damage. Gutters that have been poorly installed or pitched will need to replaced or extended farther away from your home.
Migrating Mulch
Rain that runs off in sheets indicates that the soil isn’t draining properly. If you are seeing gullies carved through your landscape, silt dumped on pathways, or piles of mulch and wood chips where they don’t belong, it could be due to runoff. This is an easy fix for a landscaper, but if not addressed it could seriously damage hardscapes, patios, and pathways.
Basement Water Stains
Traces of water on your home’s foundation show that water has escaped your home or yard. Water stains that are high up on your foundation mean that a drainage problem exists outside your house–such as with rain gutters or standing water in your yard. However, a continuous line of water stains in your basement indicates a more serious problem. You may be living in area with a fluctuating water table, which is causing water to leak inside your hump. A sump pump may be necessary to keep drainage problems at bay.
Smells Like Mildew
Accumulated moisture may cause mold to form in your home. If your basement or attic has a mildew-like smell, check for complications. Roof leaks, improper waterproofing techniques may be the source of the problem from above. From below, moisture may not be draining properly in your basement or crawlspace. When this happens, it condenses behind walls and beneath your carpets, creating an unpleasant odor. It’s better to fix these issues sooner than later, as it could save you big time on a future remodeling repair.
Irrigation, Outdoor Lighting, and Drainage from Aqua-Bright
For more information about outdoor lighting, irrigation, and drainage for your Maryland home, call Aqua-Bright today at 410-489-9009 or take a tour of our website. We offer top notch irrigation services from seasoned professionals. You can follow Aqua-Bright Irrigation & Illumination on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn for more updates and information about our illumination and irrigation services! For examples of our work, check us out on Pinterest, too.