How to Protect Foundation from Roof Drained Water
Even when you have a roof drainage system there are probabilities to have soil around the house foundation. As an example, water may come from the neighbor’s yard. Similarly, a rainstorm may be too harsh for your gutter system to handle. There are options for the homeowners who want to give added protection to their house. See how the gutters when constructed by residential structural engineer can help to keep water away from your house.
Ground Gutter
A ground gutter is a trench dug around the home for water diversion from the property. The residential structural engineer would dig a trench along the foundation wall for building a ground gutter. The trench line is lined with waterproof material like rubber roofing products. At the last step, the pipes are laid at the trench bottom to direct the water from the house. Like any other good drainage system the ground gutter assures the water to flow away from the house without damaging the foundation.
The Benefits of the Ground Gutter
The roof drainage system is essential as it captures the rain that falls on the rooftop and redirects it from the home. But in essence a good roofing drainage system does nothing to help with the groundwater problem. Even if you have installed the best drainage system it will fall short to capture the rainwater. Moreover, water may flow to the home in some areas. Here the ground gutters help to keep the water at a distance from the foundation.
Role of a Ground Gutter
People generally think roofing drainage system and gutters are different things. This is not the truth. A gutter is a roof drainage system’s component to allow water, leaves, twigs or other debris to collect off of the roof and to flow to the downspout and the ground. The water of the roof drips to the gutter system. This is a long material piece that is installed along the roofline edge. At this point, water will flow by the gutter system and go to the way of downspouts and will be absorbed into the ground.
Roof Drainage Cleaning
Cleaning is an important part of roof drainage system upkeep. When this is not cleaned time to time the biggest threat can appear as clogs. The gutter and the downspout will be clogged by the leaves, the twigs and other debris. This accumulation will make the water to overflow on the roof and gutter sides. Too much water lodging on the roof will damage it besides the lawn and the foundation. The gutter and downspout cleaning is very easy. You just need a trash collection bag, a pair of gloves, a ladder, a goggle and a plastic scoop. Scoop out all the accumulation from the gutter. Once everything is cleared take a water hose and spray into the gutter to remove any remnants.
Reach us at Ram Jack for residential structural engineer in OKC for your foundation related problems.
