The Mid-South’s seasonal weather and typical soil conditions are the leading causes of foundation damage and failures for homeowners throughout the region. Excess soil moisture content surrounding houses exerts extreme pressure on supporting walls and slabs, leading to uneven settling and weight loads much higher than materials are designed to withstand over time.
Unwanted water attracts wood-destroying termites and other insect and animal pests. Excess moisture also damages wood structures that soften, warp, and rot when exposed. It also promotes the growth of dangerous mold, mildew, and fungus that affects air quality and the health of your family. Upon inspecting your home and property, we recommend a comprehensive water management plan that fits your specific conditions.
A subsurface drainage system is designed to remove storm water and runoff quickly and efficiently from the areas that are close to or affect your home’s foundation. These systems involve trenching around a house’s foundation and along a path to storm sewer intakes or other proper drainage locations. PVC piping is placed in the trenches to use gravity flow to direct water away without soaking into porous soil. The trenches are backfilled with gravel and topsoil that is easily landscaped. French drains are placed above the trenching and capture water from the surface, roof, and gutter downspouts.
Surface water management is accomplished with grading and erosion control methods. On proper terrain, shallow ditches built along natural slopes and contours can direct water to drain intakes using gravity flow. Flooding and erosion can be mitigated by moving water before it can soak more than necessary. The water is also removed from the soil around your home’s foundation before it drains below the surface and puts pressure on its foundation.
In addition to providing support for houses and other structures, retaining walls can be a key part of water management. Retaining walls should include proper drainage points to prevent water pressure from building up and restrict proper drainage from other areas. Perforated piles and weep holes in retaining walls help keep soil intact and water moving.
Sub-soil water barriers can be used in proper situations to prevent groundwater from coming into contact with porous construction materials or those that can become cracked under water pressure.
In some locations, crawl spaces or basements can suffer from excess moisture, even when adequately ventilated. Suppose the air coming into a foundational area below a house’s main structure has more humidity than the air being ventilated away. In that case, you may need a mechanical process to avoid making moisture worse through ventilation. Dehumidifiers and sump pumps are commonly used in such conditions to remove unwanted water.
We are committed to holistic solutions to foundation issues at American Standard Foundation Repair. That means addressing root causes typically involving water where it should not be. Our expert engineers and inspectors take a comprehensive problem-solving approach that includes evaluating soil and terrain conditions restricting efficient drainage of excess moisture away from your home.
Contact us today and let our team help you address long-term water management strategies for your home and property.
