Can Sprinkler System Cause Foundation Problems?

Underground sprinklers are another great feature to help grow mold in basements. People will water all around their foundation for hours on end, trying to test the waterproofing membranes to the limits. The problem is that plants will be exposed to water for a very short period. Gravity then takes over, and the water is below the root line, and often the easiest path leads to the foundation wall. Excessive watering along the foundation puts an undue strain on the foundation walls. Rule #2: do not run underground sprinklers near the foundation of the home. Instead, consider placing properly graded mulch over the gardens to reduce the amount of water needed. Another option is to plant local plant species that require less water; this is called xeriscaping . Finally, ensure that you drain the underground sprinklers before every winter and check for leaks every spring when turning it back on.

Can Gutters and Eaves Trough Help Keep a Basement Dry?

Gutters and eaves troughs (depending on where you live, you may know them by different names) exist to move water off the roof and away from the house. Some regions of North America do not use gutters, and in those climates, you should ensure that the water that does run off the roof has an easy path away from the house. This can be done with a stone splash ditch to help reduce damage to the soil and gardens around the house. For those with eaves troughs, ensuring that they slope properly towards the downspouts is critical. They should be regularly cleaned off leaves and debris, typically in the fall after the leaves have fallen and before snowfall.

Do Window Wells Keep Your Basement Dry

Window wells are also crucial because they are designed to keep snow off the basement window and its ledge. Windows are not designed to have continuous, direct contact with solid water (snow) and will fail earlier than designed due to this exposure. Remember that window weeping holes covered in snow will move water back into the window, not away. Window wells also help remove high water potential from the window, which is the weakest point in the basement walls. Window wells should be at least 12-18 inches deeper than the lowest point in the windowsill to be most effective. Gravel can be placed as far down as 18-24 inches below the windowsill to help drainage away from the window.

7 Rules for a Healthy House Foundation