The Signs of Poor Yard Drainage

When it comes to your home, no one should have to deal with water damage because of poor yard drainage. If you’re noticing any of these signs, it might be time to give your yard (and your home) a little extra love.

1. Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are like a flashing warning sign that trouble might be on the way. When gutters get backed up, all that water that should be flowing smoothly down the downspouts ends up pouring over the sides instead. This can lead to water pooling around your foundation and even messing up your siding and paint.

If you notice dirt streaks on your gutters, mud splattered on your siding, or peeling paint, it’s time to take action. A good gutter cleaning and making sure everything is pitched correctly can work wonders. And for that extra peace of mind, consider adding downspout extensions or troughs to keep water far away from your foundation.

2. Water Sneaking In

Water has a sneaky way of finding its way into your home, usually by creeping over the foundation, slipping through a crack, or even seeping up from under the floor.

If you’re spotting water or stains along the top of your foundation walls and don’t see any cracks, it’s likely water is spilling over due to bad grading or overflowing gutters. Unclogging those gutters, regrading your yard, or installing a drainage system can help keep things dry.

Cracks in the foundation can happen as concrete cures and shrinks. These cracks can leak when the soil around your home gets saturated. Fortunately, fixing those cracks is a job for a pro and usually costs between $300-$500.

And if water’s seeping in where the wall meets the floor, it’s a sign of a high water table under your basement. Installing an interior drainage system and a sump pump can help relieve the pressure and keep your basement nice and dry.

3. That Pesky White Stuff (Efflorescence)

Ever notice a white or grayish crust on your basement walls? That’s efflorescence—basically, minerals left behind when water evaporates. While it’s not harmful on its own, it’s a sign that moisture is sneaking into your basement, and that can lead to bigger issues down the road. If you spot efflorescence, take a good look at the soil around your foundation and check for cracks in the basement walls.

4. Mildew Madness

If you’re finding mildew in your attic, it might be pointing to moisture problems down in the basement. Warm air rising into the attic and condensing on the roof can lead to mildew, but the root cause could also be too much moisture in the basement or crawlspace. Left unchecked, this can create bigger headaches, like roof issues, down the line.

5. Puddles and Erosion in the Yard

After a big rain, take a walk around your yard. If you’re seeing mulch washed away from flower beds, little rivers of water, or mud splashed on the sidewalk or driveway, you’ve got signs of erosion. And if that water is heading toward your foundation, it’s definitely time to consider some new landscaping.

Keep an eye on how the soil sits against your foundation during a rainstorm. If it’s washing away or if water is pooling around the foundation, you need to take action fast. Water pooling in your yard or around the foundation is a big red flag and can lead to foundation cracks, leaks, or even shifting. The good news? Having a landscaper or waterproofing expert build up soil berms or install an exterior drainage system can save you a lot of trouble—and it’s more affordable than you might think.

6. Warped Wood and Wavy Floors

Too much moisture in your home can make your wood floors and framing warp. If you’re seeing bowing floors or popped-up flooring, there’s a good chance you’ve got water in your crawlspace or some movement in the foundation.

7. Wet Crawlspace Woes

If you’re finding water or puddles in your crawlspace, don’t wait to address it. Wet crawlspaces are a magnet for insects and pests, and sitting water can lead to mildew, mold, and poor indoor air quality. Plus, it can compromise your home’s wood framing, flooring, and even the roof. Get it dried out ASAP to keep your home healthy and safe.

Remember, at Quality Waterproofing, we believe you deserve a home that’s dry, safe, and comfortable. If you’re spotting any of these signs, we’re here to help you keep your home in tip-top shape!