Which Drainage Correction System is Best for Your Home?
If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably wondering which drainage correction system is best for your home. Well, the truth is, there are many options to choose from. Depending on the type of problem your home has, as well as other factors, one system will work better than another.
Types of Drainage Correction Systems Available
Here’s a rundown of the different systems and how they work.
Swales
Swales are essentially ditches that redirect water away from your home’s foundation. They function by carrying water directly into the ground surrounding your home, allowing it to seep into the soil without causing any damage. Swales are also often planted with grass and other plant life, which helps them blend in with your landscaping.
French Drains
French drains, also called perimeter drains, are the most popular drainage system for home foundations. French drains are a great option for sub-surface drainage correction.
These systems consist of gravel-filled trenches with perforated pipes, and they allow water to flow through the gravel and into the pipe. The perforated pipe works to redirect water from your home’s foundation.
Channel Drains
Channel drains are designed to drain water from a level surface. They work by collecting water into a narrow channel and then distributing it to any number of openings along the length of the drain. The drains are usually made of PVC or steel, and they’re available in a wide range of lengths, with many styles featuring open grates that let water pass while keeping debris out.
Area Drains
An area drain collects and redirects water away from your home’s foundation, keeping it dry and free of unwanted moisture. An area drain consists of three main parts: the grate (the part you see), the channel (the part that goes under the ground or under concrete), and the outlet (the part where the water gets directed).
These systems can be designed to work with almost any property size or shape — they just need to be installed by a professional who understands the basic principles of drainage correction and has the experience to implement solutions that function properly.
Atrium Drains
Atrium drains are a type of surface drainage system that is installed when the ground around your house slopes toward your basement foundation. In cases like these, water can pool against the side of the house and seep into your basement through foundation joints or cracks. An atrium drain helps redirect this water away from your home.
Which System is Best for Your Home?
The best drainage system for you depends on your property type and the nature of the problem, among other factors. The following factors should be considered when determining the best drainage system for your home:
- Soil type (clay, sandy loam, etc)
- The slope of your yard
- The size of your yard
- How you use your yard (gardening, recreation, etc)
If you have a flat yard, recognize that all of the water that falls on it is going to stay there until it gets absorbed into the ground or evaporates. It may seem like that water drains away quickly, but it’s actually just moving out of sight at such a slow rate that it doesn’t seem like anything is happening.
If you need help deciding which system is best for your home, contact our experts at Hargrave Custom Foundation Repair. Our professionals will be able to install the correct drainage system and ensure it functions properly so that your home is protected from foundation damage, flooding, and other issues.