There are several key indicators that let you know your home might have a drainage problem, which can escalate to flooding or damaged foundation if not remedied. Performing a quick inspection of your home and catching these signs now can save you frustration and money later.
Overflowing Gutters
When gutters aren't draining properly, water will spill over the edge of the gutter when it rains. During the next storm, inspect your gutters to see if water is making it all the way down the gutter and into your yard or if much of the it is sloshing over the edge of the roof. Or, if you prefer to wait until a sunny day, streaks of mud and dirt on the side of your house can indicate that your gutters are overflowing. Fixing overflowing gutters might be as simple as cleaning out any leaves and debris stuck there. If clean gutters still overflow, there might be a problem with how they were installed.
Water Stains in Your Basement
Seeing water stains in your basement is a big sign that water is leaking from somewhere and can cause damage in the future. Stains located higher up on the wall of your foundation indicate that water from overflowing gutters or erosion has leaked into your home. However, water stain in the shape of a line suggests a more serious problem.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks in the foundation of your basement are another sign that you may have drainage problems in your yard. Oftentimes the cause of cracked foundation is poor water drainage. Repairs usually involve updating the drainage system or installing a sump pump. Even if your foundation crack is very small, the structural issued involved can be large.
Contact Your Home Waterproofing Experts
There are many ways to identify if your home and yard have drainage issues, but some sources aren't as easily identified as you would think. If you suspect you may have drainage problems, or if you want to set up precautions to avoid future drainage issues, don't hesitate to contact NV Waterproofing, your Northern Virginia waterproofing company!
