Why Your Foundation Needs a Runoff Drain

When building a foundation for your new home, it is important that you install a runoff drain, especially if you live in an area with a high water level, snow runoff, or moisture expanding soil.

Moisture Expanding Soil

If both your home and its foundation are built in areas with soil that swells when it comes in contact with water, such as Bentonite soil, water buildup against your foundation can result in serious cracking and structural damage.

Pooling Water

Some plants, trees, and lawn grass cannot thrive in soil where there is excessive moisture. Foundations built without a runoff drain can create pooling water which will kill landscaping shrubbery.

Leaking Foundation Walls

Water buildup along foundation walls will eventually find its way into your home or basement in areas where your foundation wall seams or cracks leak. Water will then run into your basement and form pools on the basement floors.

Molds and Mildew

Mold and mildew grow in moist areas and can grow on exterior walls where water gathers against the foundation. These molds can also grow inside the home where water is not drained away from exterior walls. Mold producing moisture can grow on your interior walls, between the foundation and wall coverings.