Four Ways That Stormwater Can Damage Your Residential Property
If you've recently become a homeowner for the first time, you've probably already done a lot of research on home maintenance topics. However, one topic that frequently gets overlooked is stormwater maintenance — and this approach can result in unnecessary damage to your property. Here's what you need to know about minimizing and even preventing four potential types of damage using the right stormwater maintenance techniques.
Foundation Damage
One of the most severe and costly consequences of stormwater is foundation damage. When water accumulates around a home's foundation, it can seep through cracks and weaken the structure. Over time, this can lead to significant structural damage and compromise the integrity of the entire house. Signs of foundation damage include cracks in the walls and floors, uneven floors, and doors that won't close properly. To prevent foundation damage, homeowners can make sure their gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and direct water away from the house's foundation.
Flood Damage
Stormwater can also cause flooding, which can lead to extensive damage to a home's interior. Water can ruin furniture, carpets, and personal belongings, as well as cause structural damage to walls and floors. Even a small amount of standing water can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can cause health problems for residents. To prevent flood damage, homeowners should ensure their property is adequately graded to direct water away from their homes and consider installing a sump pump to remove excess water from the basement.
Soil Erosion
When stormwater is not properly channeled, it can lead to soil erosion, which can have a range of consequences for a property. Soil erosion can cause the ground to shift, leading to unstable foundations and damage to retaining walls, sidewalks, and driveways. It can also lead to the loss of valuable topsoil, which can make it challenging to maintain healthy lawns and gardens. To prevent soil erosion, homeowners can install retaining walls and use landscaping techniques such as terracing and planting ground cover to hold the soil in place.
Damage to Driveways and Walkways
Stormwater can also cause damage to driveways and walkways, particularly if they are made of concrete. Water can seep into cracks and expand when it freezes, causing the concrete to crack and break. Over time, this can lead to a significant deterioration of the surface, making it difficult and dangerous to use. To prevent damage to driveways and walkways, homeowners should ensure their property is adequately graded to direct water away from these areas and consider sealing the concrete to prevent water from seeping in.
For more info, contact a local company like CatchAll Environmental.