Summer storms and the importance of proper yard grading and window wells
Your home is like the human body in that one part depends on another. If one organ or body part is working incorrectly, then it will affect other body parts.
If there is improper grading on your home, it will affect the basement and foundation as there will be leaks and other structural issues.
Now, with summer storms coming in Maryland and the likelihood of flooding occurring to homes with basements, it is essential to make sure your yard is properly graded and window wells are installed correctly.
Your home should have been placed on the highest slope in your yard. This means, of course, that the water should run down and away from your home. Thus, no water will collect around the foundation.
Since your home was built, the soil may have settled creating an area with improper grading around your home. This grading issue needs to be addressed so there is no pooling or flooding in your basement.
Additionally, the basement window wells can become victims of oversight. The wells collect leaves, dirt, and other debris which will clog them and deter them from draining water.
So, when the summer rains hit, it collects in the clogged basement window wells, water runs down the foundation walls. They cannot hold the water back and begin to flood into the basement. This leaves deep stains in the walls and puddles on the floor.
To avoid flood damage to your home and property, you need to contact a licensed basement waterproofing contractor to do proper grading on your yard. Once they have analyzed the flooding issue, they will do the following:
- Replace the window wells. With new taller models and covers
- Grading will also have to be done to the yard to send water away from the foundation.
- Grading should then be sloped away from the foundation walls at 5% slope minimum out up to 10% if possible. A clay-based soil works best for this.
- A French drain or swale may then be installed for the water to flow into and away from the home.
Your basement waterproofing contractor can do this work quickly and efficiently to protect your home and property. Summer is here, don’t delay!
M Taylor Enterprise has experienced basement waterproof contractors on staff. Contact us at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve Silver Spring, MD and the counties of Montgomery, Howard and Prince George, MD.
