The Effect of Rain on Foundation and How to Prevent It

What do damaged vegetation, rotting wood, cracked walls, and mildew have in common? They’re all effects of water intrusion in your home. And unfortunately, these issues are just a few of the many problems that can occur if rain is not properly drained away from your property. Water damage is a serious issue that could lead to the destruction of your yard, health issues for residents, and serious damage to your house structure. Today we’re going to explore the effects of rain on foundation in order to best prepare homeowners for recognizing and preventing water damage and excess moisture-related issues.

Related: Ways Rain Can Destroy The Foundation

Rain can be restorative, breathing new life into your vegetation, but it can also wreck your property. Improperly drained yards can lead to water pooling and killing plants, with faulty drainage systems causing water to leak into the home. This potentially disastrous predicament can cause water to seep into floorboards, rotting wood and causing bacteria and mold to grow in crawl spaces and cause health problems. Floorboards and walls can become water damaged and warped, distorting the appearance of your living space.

However, the most worrisome effect that water can have on your home is foundation damage. When moisture isn’t properly funneled away from the home, there are several ways that it can destroy foundation over time. When water accumulates under the home and isn’t able to drain, serious foundation issues such as settling and cracks can occur. Another problematic effect of excess water is “heaving,” which occurs when clay soil expands and forces the soil upwards in direction. This can lead to surface and subsurface water negatively affecting pier and beam or slab foundations.

Related: Drainage Problems And Your Foundation 

How to spot water damage  

Fortunately, there are ways for homeowners to spot water damage and address leakages and moisture intrusion before damage has the opportunity to spread. The best way to protect your property value is to perform routine inspections both inside and outside of the home, especially directly after periods of heavy rainfall. Signs of water damage include pools of water following periods of heavy rain, the presence of salt deposits (efflorescence) on crawl space walls, increased radon levels, pests/insect invasion in your home, and exterior paint peeling. Additionally, signs of mildew, mold, rust, and rot, as well as strong musty odors, headaches, and breathing issues, are also indicators of water intrusion. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional as soon as possible to investigate the situation.

Related: Poor Drainage And Your Landscape 

The best way to prevent water damage from infiltrating your home is to invest in a proper drainage system. Homeowners should always make sure they have a drainage system that meets the needs of their property and continues to operate smoothly without any blockage or hiccups. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes drainage systems fail or homeowners don’t consider installation until damage has become apparent. Fortunately, many moisture issues can be amended or prevented if the correct drainage system is installed by professional contractors. 

To prevent water intrusion, make sure that the drainage system grates are graded away from the foundation of the home and that there is an exterior drain system in your basement if your home is equipped with one. Additionally, it’s key to ensure that your gutters are not clogged and your down spurts are working correctly. Clear gutters of any leaves, debris, and blockage and ensure that your property is always kept in good repair.  

Drainage system solutions

In order to prevent foundation damage due to excess moisture, there are a number of solutions available. When it comes to drainage system solutions, there are many different options to choose from. French drains are one of the most popular drainage system options. French drains are very effective at removing small to moderate amounts of water from the foundation and redirecting the flow away from your property without disrupting the landscape. Additionally, surface drains are often turned to for more extensive yard drainage problems, since they are able to pump away large amounts of water rapidly, especially when working along with a sump pump. The right drainage system will depend on the extent of damage, as well as the type of foundation and soil and the nature of the problem. Other drainage system options include rounded grates, pop-up emitters, atrium grates, flo-wells, and channel drains.

Related: Drainage Solutions

While the right drainage system can save your home from certain disaster, sometimes the damage has already amassed too much to simply drain excess water away. If water has evaded your home, especially for prolonged periods of time, know the signs of foundation damage to lookout for. Signs of foundation damage include buildings that have a visible slant to them, or floorboards, walls, or ceilings that have become bowed, warped, or slanted. Unusually large cracks, wide cracks, horizontal cracks, and cracks clustered closely together are also potentially problematic. These effects can occur from excess moisture, so It’s important to be on the lookout for signs of excess moisture in your home. The sooner you address foundation damage, the lesser the extent of the damage. 

Fortunately, most cases of foundation damage can be corrected with foundation repair though more significant damage may require foundation replacement. You can avoid this costly project by connecting with a professional contractor as soon as you notice water intrusion on your property.  

Related: Are You Prepared for the Next Earthquake? 

Is rain destroying your Southern California home?

It’s time to get started on your solution. Protect your property and safeguard your assets by calling California Foundation Works today. Our crew of foundation experts will give your property problems the care and attention they deserve so that we can provide the best solution for your unique situation. Allow us to correct drainage system failures, moisture intrusion, and foundation damage so your home will remain fortified for many years to come. Call today to get started on crafting your custom solution!