Whether you're building or buying a home, you want it to last forever. If you or the builder skimp on proper foundation drainage, there can be serious consequences.
Most building codes require that the contractor puts in foundation drainage systems. There are some exceptions, though, and it can be costly to rectify later.
Let's take a look at why proper foundation drainage is so important.
Why You Need to Get Foundation Drainage Right
The biggest threat to your house isn't a roof cave-in or storm damage. It's the ground it's sitting on. The soil is constantly expanding and contracting every time it rains and in Ottawa's varied seasons.
Without proper drainage, run-off water from the roof could pool around the foundation. This is especially true if downpipes or gutters become clogged or overflow.
Building codes require foundation drainage unless the site is well-drained or has a sand-gravel mixture of soil. But don't leave it to chance.
Another reason is hydrostatic pressure. Once you have a hole for the foundations and fill it in, water that would have once passed that way has nowhere to go.
It looks for an easy route and finds it in the soil around the foundation. This builds up pressure, and if your foundation isn't properly waterproofed, that water will soon be in your home.
You also run the risk of flooded basements and the foundation sitting in water. This could seriously undermine the substructure. The whole building could be at risk of dangerous subsidence.
What Are the Options for Foundation Drainage?
Generally speaking, when building the house, the contractor needs to put drainage around the foundation. A stone layer beneath the crawl space or basement is vital. It provides a sump for groundwater to collect in and drain away into the drainage pipes around the perimeter of the basement.
What if you are putting in below-grade accommodation such as a basement? You need a full waterproofing system to future-proof it against water ingress.
This will include using a system of foundation drainage board to direct water away from the foundation. A foundation draining mat performs the same job.
Once you've got the water into the house foundation draining system, you need to get rid of it. You can rely on gravity if the site allows for it. Otherwise, you will need a sump pump as part of your foundation draining systems to pump water away from the foundation.
Fix Foundation Drainage Issues Fast
Foundations may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. The integrity of the house depends on solid foundation drainage systems that are fully functional. If you suspect you have some issues, now's the time to act!
At Bol-Dan Foundation & Masonry, we've provided foundation repair services in Ottawa for over 25 years. If your foundation drainage is letting you down, we're the guys to call.
Contact us today for a fast, free estimate for your home.