Drainage & your home

Poor drainage around the foundation can cause major foundation problems. Accumulated runoff next to the exterior grade beam will result in foundation movement. Lack of positive drainage away from the foundation system will result in foundation movement depending on the frequency of the rain such as 2-yr, 10-yr or 100-yr frequency. The above photo shows downspout without an extension to direct runoff away from the foundation system. Gutters are an excellent way of directing runoff away from the foundation, however, without using an extension, the gutters are useless. Gutter extensions cost less than $15.00. Make sure you add them.