Keep Your Foundations Dry – How Helen Fixed Her Damp With a Shovel

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Keeping brickwork and foundations dry is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of your home..

Roger is back to look at Skill Builder viewer Helen’s damp problem.

Here’s Helen’s message:

Hi Roger

We moved into our new home in August this year. We have a damp problem as the original guttering was dumping water at the north corner of the house.

We’ve re-routed the guttering and have managed to get rainfall 1.5m from the house.

After letting the corner dry out and removing soil a brick’s depth from slate DPC, what can we do to help keep brickwork and foundations dry?

Any recommendations and suggestions are gratefully accepted.

Thank you 👍

Strategies To Keep brickwork And Foundations Dry

1. Proper Drainage

  • Gutters and Downspouts: The simplest step to keep foundations dry is to ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and in good condition to direct water away from your home. Gutters should be free of debris, such as leaves and twigs, which can cause blockages and prevent water from flowing freely. Regular cleaning, especially in the autumn when leaves are falling, is crucial. Additionally, inspect the gutters for any signs of damage, such as cracks or sagging sections, and repair them promptly. Downspouts, which channel water from the gutters to the ground, should also be checked regularly to ensure they are not clogged and are firmly attached to the gutter system.Extend downspouts at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation.
  • Grading: Proper grading around your home is another critical aspect of effective drainage. The ground surrounding your house should slope away from the foundation to direct water away from the structure. This slope should be gradual yet effective; a general guideline is a slope of 1 inch per foot for the first 6 feet extending from the foundation. This means that for every foot you move away from the house, the ground should drop by at least 1 inch.

2. Waterproofing

  • Foundation Waterproofing: Apply a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior of the foundation. This prevents water from seeping through the walls.
  • Sealants: Use masonry sealants on brickwork to repel water. These sealants should be breathable to allow moisture within the wall to escape.

3. Landscaping

  • Plant Placement: Avoid planting trees and shrubs too close to the foundation, as their roots can interfere with drainage and even damage the foundation.
  • French Drains: Install French drains around the perimeter of your home to redirect water away from the foundation.

4. Maintenance

  • Crack Repair: Regularly inspect brickwork and foundations for cracks and repair them promptly using appropriate materials.
  • Mortar Joints: Repoint deteriorated mortar joints in brickwork to prevent water penetration.

5. Sump Pump

  • Installation: If you have a basement or crawl space, installing a sump pump can help remove water that collects around the foundation.
  • Battery Backup: Ensure your sump pump has a battery backup to function during power outages.

6. Vapor Barriers

  • Crawl Spaces: Install vapor barriers on the ground in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from rising into the foundation and brickwork.
  • Basements: Apply vapor barriers on interior basement walls and floors if moisture penetration is a problem.

7. Proper Ventilation

  • Ventilation: Ensure that crawl spaces and attics are well-ventilated to reduce moisture buildup. Use vents, fans, or dehumidifiers as necessary.

8. Roof Overhangs

  • Extended Eaves: Extended roof overhangs can help direct rainwater away from the walls and foundation of your home.

9. Regular Inspections

  • Routine Checks: Regularly inspect your home’s exterior, including the roof, walls, and foundation, for signs of water damage or potential problems.

10. Professional Assessment

  • Expert Evaluation: If you suspect serious moisture issues, consider hiring a professional to assess and recommend specific solutions tailored to your home.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively keep your brickwork and foundations dry, thus protecting your home from water damage and ensuring its long-term durability.

 

4o

About Dylan Garton

Dylan Garton is a co-founder, video producer and editor for the Skill Builder social media platforms.

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