Poor drainage on your property can be frustrating. It is unsightly and causes significant damage to your home and landscape. Fortunately, there are several ways you can improve the drainage on your property so you don’t have to worry about flooding or damage.
Use Rainscaping to Improve Drainage on Your Property
Rainscaping is a landscaping technique that uses plants and other natural elements to absorb, slow down, and divert water from low spots on your property. This could include strategically planting trees and shrubs or building rain gardens with the right soil, plants, and rocks. You can build rainscaping into a feature of your yard that transforms with the weather and keeps water away from your foundation.
Install a French Drain System
A French drain system is a great way to move water away from your home. This drain consists of a long trench filled with gravel and pipe that collects surface and subsurface water, then transports it into an area where it can be safely absorbed. It’s important to make sure the French drain is installed correctly in order for it to work properly, so you may want to consult a professional for this type of work.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts to Improve Drainage on Your Property
Your gutters and downspouts play an important role in managing where water goes after it leaves your roof. Make sure that these are clear of debris, properly angled away from your house, and long enough to carry water far enough away so it won’t cause any damage. You may also want to consider installing a rain barrel or cistern to collect and reuse water and reduce overall runoff.
Redirect Surface Water with Berms and Swales
A berm is an elevated mound of soil planted with grass, shrubs, or trees that can redirect surface runoff away from certain areas like flower beds or driveways. A swale is a shallow ditch that guides water away to a safe location and can also help prevent erosion. Building these features into your landscape design is an effective way to keep water from pooling in certain spots, preventing damage from occurring.
Use Permeable Materials for Paths and Patios
If you’re planning on installing paths or patios in your yard, consider using materials that allow water to permeate through them instead of ones that will cause it to pool. Permeable paving materials like gravel, flagstone, and pavers with gaps between them are effective at allowing water to move through and disperse rather than just collecting on the surface and causing flooding.
By following these tips, you can improve the drainage on your property and help keep it free of flooding or other water-related damage. With a little bit of planning and the right materials, you can create an effective system that will keep your property safe and dry for years to come.
New Image Home Inspections provides inspection to homebuyers and sellers in upstate South Carolina. Contact us to schedule our services.