The Dangers Of A Downpour; Why It’s Important To Have A Functional Drainage System
In Alabama, “April showers” most of the time means more than just a polite sprinkle. Alabama is ranked fourth for most rainfall on average in the US - 58.3 inches per year! The regular downpours we endure during the spring season aren’t just a mild nuisance -- they can cause tens of thousands of dollars in repairs to your home.
How Rainfall Can Damage Your Home
One inch of rain on a square foot of surface area yields .623 gallons of runoff. So, for a 1,000 square foot roof, that’s 600 gallons of runoff water affecting your landscaping and putting pressure on the foundation of your home. If your home receives 58.3 inches of rainfall a year, that’s over 34,000 gallons of water with the potential to do damage!
By damage, we mean more than just the cosmetic mud splatters on your siding or some peeling paint here and there. The problem with poor, non-functional drainage is that instead of being directed safely away, water sinks into the dirt as the base of your house, causing the soil to expand and crack your foundation. The average cost to excavate and repair your foundation can run around $30,000! And this isn’t a rare problem - 25% of all homes in the US experience cracking or damage due to expansive soils, according to the Society of Civil Engineers. Much easier to just direct the water away from the base of your home in the first place.
How Rainfall Can Damage Your Landscaping
In addition to home damage, rainfall erosion can wash away your landscaping and wreck your driveway. Rainfall produces four types of corrosion: splash, sheet, rill, and gully. We tend to only think of pooling water or running water as an issue, but a single falling raindrop can scatter soil particles up to two feet. Don’t let the expensive mulch, soil, and sod you purchased for your house wash away! Concrete driveways are porous and brittle and, if not poured properly, have the same issues with expansive soils as the foundations of your home. Cracks can quickly appear.
Here are some telltale signs that you have drainage problems at your home:
Your gutters and downspouts are pouring, gushing, or dumping water every time it rains.
The exterior of your house has vertically peeling paint, or has mud splatters every time it rains.
You have water stains in your basement, a wet crawl space, or even soggy wood.
There is flaking and deposits on your walls, or your wood floor is warping.
You notice excessive mildew in your attic.
You notice hairline cracks in your foundation.
Your mulch and topsoil move every time it rains.
How Functional Drainage Can Save Your Home and Landscape
When you have the proper drainage system in place, this excess water is directed away from your home and beautifully sculpted flower-scape. It’s a simple fix that can save you thousands of dollars and lots of ruined hard work.
If you notice any of these issues mentioned above, call Acre Landscape to schedule a consultation on the best drainage solution for your home and property!
