About Us | Contact Us | Sample Report | Home | Home Tips

Lots and Drainage

Channeling your surface water away from your home is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner to prevent damp or wet basements and crawlspaces. Proper drainage helps prevent deterioration due to frost damage or hydrostatic pressures. Any surfaces that drain towards your building can cause considerable damage.

There are many thoughts on how much slope is required and all are probably valid. A common "Rule of Thumb" is a slope of one inch per foot for at least six feet away from the building.

Surface types play a huge role on the behaviour to water runoff. Impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete would not require as great a slope as they do not absorb water and allow the water to run off quickly. This is a double edged sword because the same is true if the slope is towards your home, the water will quickly reach your foundation.

Many subdivisions make use of swales between properties to drain water to storm drains etc. It is important to check with your local municipality by-laws concerning where and where not you are allowed to direct your water run off. Most bylaws will not allow you to direct water onto sidewalks or neigbouring properties.

Ontario building code requires that 7 7/8 inches of clearance minimum from ground to surfaces adversley affected by moisture. Although brick is normally not considered to be adversley affected I recommend that any brick masonry courses that are closer than 7 7/8 inches to ground level be treated with transparent waterproofing to prevent spalling of brick surface. Bricks that are in close contact with soil will usually crumble after a short time.

If in doubt about any clearances remember your municipal building department is there to provide you with expert advice.

 

 

Copyright © 1999-2007 Barrie Home Inspections. All rights reserved