If a homeowner notices puddles in the basement or if the yard floods after a storm, there’s likely a drainage issue at hand. If left untreated, these problems can cause severe structural damage. Not all drainage issues are easy to detect, but following the tips below can help a homeowner spot the signs before a minor problem turns into a disaster.
Gutter Overflow
If gutters overflow every time it rains, it might be due to twigs and leaves clogging the downspout. At the worst, the home may need replacement gutters, which is still less costly than paying for new windows, siding, or foundation repair.
Downspout Dumping
Are the downspouts dumping water alongside the home? Consider installing gutter extensions to carry water further away from the structure. Otherwise, structural damage could occur, and thousands of dollars in drainage repairs in Branford, CT may be needed.
Foundation Cracks
All foundations crack over time, as it’s a part of natural structural settling and geological shifting. However, if cracks widen continually, the homeowner should call in a structural engineer to eliminate the possibility of a drainage issue.
Mildew Growth in the Attic
Many people don’t understand how a groundwater issue can affect the home’s attic, but they’d be surprised to know just how much it can make a difference. Moisture from the home’s basement can rise up and condense on the ceiling in the attic on the roof’s underside. Thankfully, though, it is usually due to a bathroom fan blowing hot, moist air into the attic.
Migrating Mulch
When drainage issues exist on a piece of land around a home, they can cause mulch or gravel to move to other sections of the property. Ask a landscaper to dig a ditch to redirect water away from the home to prevent damage to concrete patios and walkway pavers.
Part of owning a home is enjoying living there. The last thing a homeowner wants is the frustration and expense of paying to fix a problem that could have been avoided if the signs had been noticed earlier. If one sees any of these signs of a drainage issue, they should visit website or call a structural engineer right away for drainage repairs in Branford, CT.
