Foundation Drains

By Arthur Thares

Too much or not enough moisture in the foundation of a building can be a serious issue.  This is why a foundation drain is an essential part of building a new home.  It is always a good idea to install a foundation drain at the beginning of the project versus going through the costly and time consuming process of installing it later.  No matter what, in the long run it will save money and the headache that comes with all of the problems of imbalanced moisture in the soil.

When moisture builds up in the soil around the foundation of your home it can lead to a laundry list of problems.  As any home owner knows water in the basement is not a pleasant situation to deal with.  When there is too much moisture around the foundation of your home there is nowhere else for that water to go.  This can cause problems in your basement like damage to the home or your belongings and dangerous mold.  Another serious problem that can be caused by too much or too little moisture in the soil is settling or differential movement of the foundation.

Among other reasons to install a foundation drain, it is required by the International Residential Code.  There are a few other things to consider to assist your foundation drain. Gutters should be empty on slanted surfaces at least ten feet from the foundation.  Tress should be planted no closer to the home than their eventual height.  This prevents roots from inhibiting drains and pulling all of the moisture from the foundation.

The need for a foundation drain may not be on a home owner’s mind until it is too late.  By installing a foundation drain you are ensuring that your home and your family are safe.  When building a new home, or renovating an old one, make sure that it is equipped with a code required foundation drain.