Landscaping Promotes Good Drainage Around Buildings and Homes

 Proper landscaping around a building is critical in maintaining good drainage to ensure dry basements, crawl spaces, and foundations. 

landscaping and drainage

Consideration should be given to:

  1. The Soil.  It should be added so that all grades pitch away from the building for at least six feet.
  2. The contact between the soil and any wood.  Make sure that the soil does not come in contact with any wooden construction materials.
  3. The grading of driveways and sidewalks.  Also, any porches, patios, or decks should slope away from the building to promote good drainage.
  4. Comparison with surrounding properties.  If the building is located lower than surrounding properties, a water flow diversion device will be needed such as
    • Culvert or ditch
    • Land berm
    • French drain
    • Storm sewers

Trees – Pluses and Minuses for Good Drainage

Trees not only provide beauty but also serve as a windbreak and energy savings device.  However, when planted too close to a building their roots can damage the structure providing a means of water infiltration into the building.

The Roof and Proper Drainage

Proper drainage of rain, snow, and sleet off of your roof is also very important:

  1. The roof overhang should be at least 18 inches wide with a gutter system and at least 30 inches without gutters.
  2. The roof edge should have drip edge flashing installed.
  3. Keep the rain gutters clean and free flowing.
  4. Make sure there are a sufficient number of downspouts to remove rain water from the gutters.
  5. Install splash blocks and extenders to release the water at least five feet from the house.

Turn-Key can help you access all factors that affect the healthy environments.