Water damage is one of the most frustrating and challenging issues a homeowner can face. The primary concern is that once a leak or drainage problem has been detected, the damage has already progressed significantly. Thus, it is important to be proactive in preventing water damage to your home. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is to incorporate landscaping elements that protect your home’s foundation.
Soil Composition
Soil composition is an often-forgotten aspect of water abatement. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that all dirt is the same, and give little thought to the impact of their yard’s soil. However, soil can come in a dizzying array of types. For drainage, the primary concern is the clay and sand ratio within the soil. Soil with a high clay content tends to trap water and becomes incredibly dense. This puts additional pressure on your home’s foundation and can lead to extensive damage. In contrast, a sandy soil composition promotes drainage and allows the water to pass through.
Strategic Landscaping
Another key player in the fight against water damage to your home’s foundation is the landscaping itself. Erosion is defined as the washing away of soil or land from a home’s foundation, leaving it vulnerable. This can be an expensive and stressful problem. Luckily, numerous landscaping techniques prevent water damage and erosion. Lawns can be structured in ways that direct water away from your home and foundation, which helps prevent flooding and damage. Furthermore, plants that serve as ground cover will provide additional structure and drainage to your land.
Consider a Gravel Garden
When trying to protect your home’s foundation from water damage, proper drainage is key. Damage often occurs when the water has nowhere else to go. Thus, by providing planned routes for escape, you allow the water to exit on your terms. A popular solution is to build a gravel garden. These landscaping elements can be quite beautiful, and the loose nature of the gravel promotes drainage and allows water to be controlled more effectively. Many designers opt to connect these gravel gardens to a french-drain network to promote even more water mitigation.
When done correctly, these three adjustments to your landscaping can go beyond protecting your home — they can also become a vital point of your home’s curb appeal. And best of all, once installed, they require almost no upkeep to continue looking great.
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