French drains

Using French Drains To Create a Healthy Living Environment

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

French Drains

One of the greatest concerns for any homeowner is to ensure their living space is safe. While there are many other sources of impurities in the indoor air, the basement is credited with many varieties of pollutants. The problem with these living spaces is their location below the surface making them susceptible to water leakage.

Basement water is a common frustration for homeowners and in fact, it has forced many homeowners to neglect these spaces. Water entry and high moisture levels cause mold growth, which is one of the major indoor air pollutants. By failing to deal conclusively with the water seepage issue, you will also have to grapple with high humidity levels that not only precipitate respiratory problems but also lead to property damage including dry rot and metal rusting.

However, you can now handle basement water through installation of a French drain and in the process, improve the quality of indoor air. If you have noticed an increase in respiratory infections in your family, it is likely that you have mold growth in your basement. While many people try glossing over basement water issues through painting and other temporary measures, it is advisable to talk to a waterproofing contractor who has experience installing French drains.

How a French Drain Helps

A French drain can be installed either externally or internally, but the function it plays is the same. The installation process involves excavation of an outdoor and indoor trench where a perforated PVC pipe is then laid. The pipe should be slanted in such a way that the collected water is driven away quickly. Once this is done, the trench is filled with porous materials such as rocks before the original backfill is returned.

All surface water will find its way into the perforated pipe and driven either to a sump pit for pumping or directly driven away from the property. The principle used here is that water uses the route with least resistance and now that this pipe is perforated and covered in porous materials, surface water will easily flow in to be driven away from your home.

When thinking of home improvement, a French drain might not be on your priority list but looking at the benefits it offers, it should rank up there. French drains not only help protect your home’s foundation against water damage, but they also protect your family by providing a healthy living environment.

French drains

What You Need To Know About French Drains in Morganville NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

French Drains in Morganville NJ

Water is bad for foundations, but it is a natural part of the world we live in. When it rains, water seeps into the ground. There is also groundwater that is already present in the ground and can seep up to destroy a foundation.

So, how can you keep your foundations sound?

The answer is a French drain. Also known as a weeping, uncertain or rubble drain, this drain consists of a trench that is filled with rocks or gravel. Many French drains in Morganville NJ also contain a perforated pipe. The primary use of the drain is to prevent surface or ground water from penetrating into or damaging the foundations of a building.

The name does not come from France, the country but was named after the person who promoted the idea in 1859 through his book on drainage on farms, Henry French.

How they work

French drains in Morganville NJ are constructed around foundations to give water an easy channel through which it can flow. Water in the surrounding soils runs into the gravel that fills the drain and down through the perforations in the pipe that is often located at the bottom of the trench.

Water collects in the pipe and is channeled away from the foundations to a point some distance away from the house.

It is important for the trench bottom to be constructed at a slope of about 1 inch for every 8 feet traveled in the direction that the water will flow. The French drain may terminate in any place depending on your situation and preference. Some examples include:

  • Low lying areas within your property
  • Dry wells
  • The street
  • Drainage ditches

Deciding when to put in a French drain

French drains in Morganville NJ have become necessary to help with drainage. This is true especially for:

  • Homes that are experiencing a problem with surface water. You may have a soggy lawn or driveway that washes out.
  • Homes whose basements are being damaged by water. It is important to ensure that water from the surrounding soil is directed away from the foundations. This ensures that the foundation is not destroyed.
  • Homes that are being constructed on a hillside. It is important to install a French drain if you will be building a retaining wall.

Surface water problems

Shallow French drains in Morganville NJ are a great way to deal with surface water problems. The French drain should be constructed to intercept water on the property and channel it away from the building’s foundations.

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