What is Foundation Drainage?

ALMOST ALL homes and accessory structures that are near or in a flood zone have flood vents. There is nothing anyone can do about the weather except plan for its intensity. There are several ways to help prevent flooding from destroying a home, garage or accessory structure. Any basement or crawlspace must have a drainage system. Any property within 10’ of a waterway, storm drain, storm conveyance system or property that is compromised will be mandated, to have flood-prevention products installed.

Flood vents are one commonly used in construction projects. There are other products and applications that are used to help prevent flooding. French drains are made with gravel or crushed stone and accompanied by a filter mechanism to assist in drainage. Some properties have drainage problems due to the topography of the property even though they are not near any water source or conveyance system. There is more than erecting a garage or other structure than just the structure itself.

There are a host of applications that address drainage issues. Drain tiles, check dams, inlets, vapor barriers, sand, parging techniques and trenches are all used in a number of different situations. Some properties require some of or all of these, in different combinations. Each property and construction project is unique in some way. An experienced builder should know to properly address all drainage issues and develop a plan that will protect the garage or other structure from flooding.

Lateral displacement of any column, pier or girder is a risk that must be addressed when building the foundation of a garage or home. When earth is saturated with water and that water has force, the foundation’s integrity can be affected negatively. Any new construction building is also built to let water out, once it gets in. Flood vents are designed to let water that has infiltrated a structure out. You would think, wow, why aren’t homes, garages and accessory structures built air-tight so that no water can ever get inside. This is because the foundation itself is at risk of blow out from the force of the water.

An exceptional building contractor will have additional training with regard to erosion and settlement control. Most building contractors do not have formal training regarding earth protection and its effect on a structure. This training is just as important as knowing how to properly construct any structure.

Call H.W. Enterprises, Inc. at 757-595-4562 or 757-696-1927 to discuss your building project AND address your properties characteristics. The owner is a State Certified Erosion and Settlement Control INSPECTOR. We don’t work for the State of VA; we work for YOU and your property’s needs. Visit us at: www.hwenterprisesinc.com. We will be happy to sit down with you, evaluate your property’s characteristics and develop a successful building plan.