French drains are the most popular drainage system on the market due to their optimum water damage prevention results. To install a French drain, PVC pipe is laid inside of a dug out trench. The trench is then covered in gravel wrapped in fabric in order to prevent loose soil from collecting in the drain. In short, French drains use a pipe in the ground to channel invasive water away from your home to best protect your property from water damage.
French drains are highly adept at channeling water away from crawl spaces beneath the home and redirecting the flow away from the property. French drains are able to quickly channel invading water away from the property, preventing it from pooling and causing yard and foundation damage.
They are an extremely reliable source for mild to moderate water intrusion, as they are able to provide trusted protection for the yard, foundation, and home. In short, French drains carry surface water away from the home through a pipe.
French drains are a preferred drainage system option, because the installation process does not disrupt the property landscape.
Once installed, the yard is able to maintain its aesthetic appeal because French drains do not have any protruding pipes or parts, as the drainage system operates entirely underground.
The most reliable method for drainage installation is always a professional contractor, but if you wish to undertake the project on your own, there are things you should know. Always dig the trench of your French drain so that it is sloped in the direction you wish to channel the water. You can use string tied between stakes to determine the correct angle. Be sure that your trench is no less than 12 inches wide. Your French drain should be approximately 18 to 24 inches deep for maximum effectiveness.
French drains are typically installed underneath crawl space floors and along the perimeter of the foundation on one or either side. They can also be added behind retaining walls if there is excess ground pressure that needs to be relieved. A professional home and yard inspection will allow for the most beneficial French drain installation locations to be determined for maximum water protection.
In order to preserve the longevity of your French drain system, be sure to take proper care of it. Lining the trench of a French drain with filter cloth will extend the lifespan of the drain so that it can last for many years. This will prevent soil from washing into the gravel.
If you wish to guard your property and preserve your home from excess water buildup and intrusion, then French drains are a very reliable option. They’re designed to remove water that accumulates beneath the surface, making them an extremely valuable preventative asset in guarding against water intrusion and its subsequent damage.
French drains are able to assist in several key areas of water intrusion and drainage system needs. They are ideal for foundation leaks, basement leaks, and crawl space leaks in particular. They assist with redirecting hundreds of gallons of roof, gutter, and downspout rain runoff away from the home.
Yes. French drains deal with water at ground level, and they are able to deal with water that enters basements through crawl spaces and foundation leaks by rerouting invasive water away from entering the home before it has the opportunity to collect and cause damage.
Failure to address excess water buildup with a proper drainage system can greatly damage your property. Water pooling in the yard can lead to vegetation death, while the real problem lies in the water entering the home. Water can enter into the home through crawl space leakage, seeping into floorboards, rotting wood framing, and leading to harmful mold and bacteria growth. Excess moisture can warp and damage floorboards, walls, and doors, distorting the appearance of the home.
Most seriously, water intrusion can damage the home’s foundation, leading to costly repairs if this damage is given the chance to exacerbate over time. For these reasons, water intrusion should always be addressed by a professional contractor as soon as it is noticed.
California Foundation Works, is a Los Angeles Based Foundation, Drainage and Concrete Contractor.
