Proper drainage is an essential part of keeping your home safe and protected from damage. While a sprinkle of rain might seem harmless at first, you may find that your home or property can’t accommodate the flow of water as well as it should. When this happens, your home is at risk for severe structural damage or even worse. Therefore, it’s vital to know the common signs your home has a drainage problem so you can be on the lookout for them every time it rains.
Standing Water in Your Yard
One of the first indicators of a drainage problem is standing water on your lawn following a storm. Though this can be common right after particularly heavy downpours, these puddles shouldn’t last longer than a day or two. If they do, your landscape isn’t absorbing or funneling the excess water away properly. Yards with frequent standing water can attract pests and make it difficult to use your property as you want. Fortunately, you can correct this by digging a trench in your yard with a quality skid steer trencher attachment. This trench system will help collect and move water to promote better drainage while eliminating standing water.
Basement Water Stains
You may also have a drainage problem if you notice reoccurring water stains in your basement or lower floors. These bubbling, often brownish or yellow stains come from water leaking through your walls and into your home. They can come from pooling water close to your home’s foundation, or they can be the result of an underground source that’s harder to mitigate. Either way, if you notice these markings—and that they come back no matter how many times you repaint—you have a drainage issue on your hands.
Overflowing Gutters
Another frequently occurring indicator that your home has drainage problems is if your gutters routinely overflow when it rains. Gutters are a vital component of any home drainage system because they’re designed to direct water away from the foundation. However, when they clog with debris and overflow, this causes pooling and inevitable leaks. Making a habit of cleaning out your gutters can greatly help prevent this issue. You should also get them inspected regularly and repaired right away if they sustain damage.
Mold and Mildew Formations
Even if you don’t notice water stains in your home, there can be other signs that you’re taking on moisture. Mold and mildew buildup produces a musty smell and can make you sick should you breathe in any spores. Some forms of buildup even develop a darker, splotchy appearance. Mold, in particular, can be very dangerous depending on the type that grows; if you notice mold or mildew, make sure you get it removed by a professional immediately.
The right drainage measures can save your home from premature decay. As such, you’ll want to watch for these signs and act right away should you find them.
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