When it rains, does water sit in your yard? The fastest way to determine that you have a landscape drainage problem is checking for surface water in your yard. While drainage and grading issues may not be a huge concern during the summertime, don’t let the problem fester until wintertime.
Winter makes the problems worse because standing water turns into slippery ice in the yard, serves as a breeding group for bugs, and water can seep into your home causing significant damage. Winter snow only makes drainage problems worse.
Top Areas in Your Yard with a Drainage or Grading Issue
During the winter, your yard turns into a different place. Pay attention to your yard before it starts snowing to see if you have any of these issues that indicate a more significant problem. Identification of a drainage or grading issue is the first step, and then you need a professional to correct the problem.
#1 Water Stains in Your Basement
Water stains in the basement indicate you have a significant problem on your hands. At best, water is coming in from the ground. A flooded basement causes mold, mildew, and even compromises your foundation.
#2 Gutters Overflow with Every Rain
Overflowing water from your gutters means water is soaking into your foundation rather than being directed away from the home.
#3 You Have Standing Water in Your Yard
It is normal to see standing water in your yard, either during or directly after rain. If water is still in your yard hours or days after a storm, there are significant drainage problems.
#4 The Front Walkway Floods
The front walkway flooding indicates a drainage issue. If a downspout hits this area, flooding occurs much easier. A professional removes a portion of the sidewalk and replaces it with stepping stones or can run piping under the walkway for drainage.
Fix Grading and Drainage Issues
In a cold area of the country, like Minnesota, winter is the worst time to fix grading or drainage issues. Depending on the way your yard looks, a professional recommendation could include one of several options. Options for drainage or grading issues include:
- A French Drain: This drainage system is possible to extend across your yard. The French Drain is a simple trench filled with rocks or gravel. Below the gravel is a pope to redirect surface water and groundwater from the area. Some of the advantages of this drain include: keeping water from the foundation, relieving pressure from underground, and moving water from your retaining walls.
- Grading: A grading project for your yard might be the solution to your issues. During the building of your home, it is likely no one paid attention to the water flow to or from the house. With yard grading, you adjust the slope of your yard to move water from the foundation.
- Footage Drain: A type of French drain called a footage drain runs around the bottom of your basement at floor level. It is a massive project to work on but directly sends water through the storm drain as it snows or rains.
- Catch Basin: A square grate in your yard lets water flow in but keeps leaves and debris out with the grate on the top. A catch basin is a secondary choice in case it is difficult to route water across the yard. This facilitates water drainage and prevents property damage.
Take the Next Steps Before Winter Begins
When it comes to your outdoor space, winter is never the season to ignore it. Standing water, ice, and snow have the potential to cause severe damage to your home. With the right preventative maintenance now, save thousands in the long-run by reducing property damage and keeping your home safe.
If you notice any of these issues in your yard, it is time to reach out to a professional for the correction of drainage and grading issues. Before winter rolls around, take care of your landscaping.