Where does the water go??
Ever wonder where the rain goes after it falls from the sky? Probably not, you shouldn’t have to. However, if you have a moisture problem in your home, you will definitely start to give it some thought.
I’ve been called out on a number of “Moisture Intrusion Inspections” this year and have found, naturally that if you can convince the rainwater to go away from your house, you will likely not have a moisture problem. I know it sounds like a simple concept, but it really is that simple. The hard part is actually doing it.
Step 1 is realizing that houses are moisture shedding creations, not waterproof vessels. If the home is designed and built correctly, the water will fall from the heavens, splash off your house and continue on it’s merry way.
Step 2 is realizing that water flows downhill. You may laugh at this obvious statement, but I see lots (LOTS) of homes where the homeowners creative landscaping is funnelling the water towards the house. Another culprit is the gutter and downspout combination. If you get this wrong, you are on your way to having your very own residential mushroom farm in your basement.
Step 3 is dealing with the water that lands next to the house. Unless we start building homes in bubbles, water is going to get next to the foundation (if we do build houses is bubbles, we’ll have to worry about controlling water next to the bubble, so lets just keep things as they are). We need to ensure that there is a proper drainage path around the foundation. It’s best to get this right first try, digging around the foundation to re-do the perimeter drainage is messy and expensive.
Step 4 is understanding that steps 1-3 really apply to you. Water is stupid, you can’t reason with it or convince it to change it’s mind. Also, water doesn’t care how smart you are, or how much money you are saving by cutting corners. If water can get into your house, it will. Once it finds a way in it will exploit that weakness until you either correct the problem. Water is persistent – think Grand Canyon.
OK that’s all for now. If you need a moisture intrusion situation evaluated don’t be afraid to call. I’ll happily come and help you find out what step is being overlooked. Until then, thanks for reading.
