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Why Your Foundation Needs a Runoff Drain


by DoItYourself Staff

When building a foundation for your new home, it is important that you install a runoff drain. This is especially true if you live in an area with a high water level, snow runoff, or moisture expanding soil.

Moisture Expanding Soil

If your home, and its foundation, are built in areas with soil that swells when it comes in contact with water, such as Bentonite soil, water buildup against your foundation can result in serious cracking of your foundation.

Pooling Water

Some plants, trees, and lawn grass cannot thrive in soil where there is excessive moisture. Foundations build without a runoff drain can create pooling water that can kill landscaping shrubbery.

Leaking Foundation Walls

Water buildup along foundation walls will eventually find their way into your home or basement where your foundation wall seams or cracks leak and allow water to run into your basement and can pool on your basement floors.

Molds and Mildew

Mold and mildew grow in moist areas and can grow on exterior walls where water builds up against the foundation. These molds can also grow inside the home where water is not drained away from exterior walls. Mold producing moisture can build up on your interior walls, between the foundation and wall coverings.

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