Drainage Solutions
Drainage Remediation Explained
Here at FiveStar Foundation & Construction we are true experts of Drainage Solutions. Drainage remediation is conducted to manage the flow of water to avoid the negative impacts that may occur. Poor drainage can cause foundation settlement and even foundation rotting, depending on the type of foundation you have. It can also promote your yard to suffer from runoff erosion. If you're noticing signs that your property is suffering from excessive surface water such as a soggy lawn and/or pooling water, or your driveway seems to be washing away, you may be in need of a drainage solution. Our team of professionals will help determine the best available drainage solution to keep your yard in shape and most importantly keep water away from your foundation to maintain its stability.
Our experienced crew will assess the problematic areas and pinpoint the necessary drain type and route, or pathway, for the drainage system to properly perform. There are different types of drainage systems available to solve each specific water obstacle. Let us explain the details of each drainage solution.
French Drains
French Drains are typically installed with the sole purpose of diverting ground water or pooling water away from the foundation of a home or building. To install the French Drain, FiveStar Foundation & Construction will begin by digging a trench, forming the proper pathway of the drain. The trench will be dug down starting at approximately 16" in depth while maintaining a 1% fall in the trench to achieve a 1" slope for every 10ft. A proper slope allows the water to flow. A 4" perforated PVC pipe will be placed at the bottom of the trench. A permeable landscape fabric, or protective sleeve, will be installed over the pipe. After the pipe is set in place, the trench will then be filled with river rock or gravel. The river rock or gravel allows for the water to flow freely into the pipe, and additionally adds an eye appealing touch to your landscape. As water begins to flow, the French drain will divert the water to the designated area of release before it has a chance to reach the foundation.
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Surface Drains
Surface Drains are mainly known for diverting pooling or excess water in areas such as yards and parking lots. The installation of a surface drain begins much like installation of a French drain. A trench will be dug in the problem area while maintaining a 1% slope. The trench will lead to the designated release area. Now, the next step is what separates the two drainage systems making them different from one another; catch basins, or collection boxes, will be placed throughout the problem area, followed by the yard being regraded to divert water to the catch basins. Each catch basin will be connected by solid 4" PVC pipes to allow water to travel. The excavated dirt is replaced over the pipes. At this point, if the area in which the drain has been installed requires it, concrete can be applied. As water begins to flow it will be collected by the catch basins and diverted through the pipes to be released in the designated area. Surface drains are commonly used in yards or landscapes, but also great for diverting water off of concrete areas such as parking lots, driveways, and patios.
Channel Drains
Channel Drains, also known as Patio Drains or Trench Drains, are classified as a type of surface drain. Channel drains are commonly used around pool decks or areas consisting of unfinished concrete such as patios and driveways. The purpose of the channel drain is to gather the water and divert it away from these areas and to the designated release area. These drains are typically installed by cutting through the concrete to excavate parallel canals through the affected area. These canals create a channel for runoff water. A grate can be installed over these channels to allow foot or vehicle traffic to crossover. Once the channel drain has been installed the concrete can be resurfaced to permanently set the drain in place.
An additional option is to install an NDS channel drain, which is more common in new construction. An NDS channel drain is a pre-made channel that is made with polypropylene. The NDS channel drain contains a fitted grate that will cover the channel. The NDS channel drains are set inside of the parallel canals that have been excavated and will be concreted in place.
Sump Pumps
Sump Pumps are a special type of pump used in areas that are below grade, or below ground level, to keep the area dry and safe from flooding. Basements and crawlspaces are examples of areas in which sump pumps are often needed. A sump pump is installed by excavating a sump pit, which is a designated area beneath the structure that will collect the water. Once the water level reaches a certain level in the sump pit, the sump pump will automatically turn on, pulling the water out of the sump pit to divert it away from the structure’s foundation, or away from the flooded areas. A typical sump pump is usually hardwired into the home. Sump pumps that are used often will require a backup battery to ensure it will turn on in the case of a power outage. If a sump pump fails to turn on, the water will not be diverted, and flooding will likely occur.
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Retaining Walls
The Purpose of a Retaining Wall
When your home sits on a slope, it's highly likely that you're watching a runoff river flow from your neighbor's yard and piling right at your foundation when it rains. In addition, you're probably experiencing the struggles of soil erosion that come along with water runoff, which can cause water to pool at your foundation resulting in damage. When it comes to the foundation, it's important to sustain even moisture levels. When soil buildup is present, uneven moisture levels develop which means water is being unevenly directed around and under the foundation. Uneven moisture levels will result in the foundation shifting, cracking, and/or heaving.
A Retaining Wall is a highly effective drainage solution used to divert water away from your foundation. The main purpose of the retaining wall is to manage the flow of water, keeping runoff and erosion under control. Typically constructed with concrete, brick, or stone; when it comes to retaining walls there are many different possibilities of design which allows the wall to appear pleasing to the eye. Our experts will help establish the perfect design to accentuate your landscape.
The location of the retaining wall will be determined based on two key factors. First, how the water currently flows across the area- where is the water coming from, and in which direction is it flowing? Second, where the water will be diverted to- which pathway will effectively solve the current issue without causing other areas to be compromised?
When installing a retaining wall, FiveStar Foundation & Construction will excavate the area in which the wall will be installed. We will lay and compact base in the excavated area, and a footer will be installed at least 6" in depth. This ensures a strong, stable foundation for the retaining wall to be built on. We will then build off of the footer to form the complete structure of the retaining wall.
Keep in mind that retaining walls aren't just installed strictly for controlling water and erosion issues. They can simply be installed to advance the appearance of your landscape and gardens, giving your home an updated look with an inviting touch.
If your home or property is suffering from water runoff, soil erosion, and pooling water, or you simply want to enhance your landscape, it's time for you to let FiveStar Foundation & Construction install an alluring retaining wall.
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Drainage Solutions Gallery
French Drain - Waterproofing
Trench Excavated for Drainage Remediation
Stone Retaining Wall with Flower Garden
French Drain with White River Rock - Drainage Remediation
Stone Retaining Wall with Planter Garden
Trench Excavated for Drainage Remediation
Pipe Installed in Trench - Drainage Remediation
Channel Drain - Drainage Remediation
Channel Drain - Drainage Remediation
Catch Basin for Surface Drain - Drainage Remediation
Concrete Block Retaining Wall
Brick Retaining Wall
Catch Basin of Surface Drain - Drainage Remediation