Project Highlight: Small Drainage Issues, Big Structural Consequences
We recently helped a homeowner who noticed sloping floors, as well as stair-stepped and horizontal cracks throughout their home. The cause? Drainage issues that had been ignored for too long.
At one corner of the house, a downspout emptied water directly beside the foundation. Another downspout connected to an underground pipe that was completely clogged. With nowhere for the water to go, it soaked into the soil and caused parts of the foundation to settle. This was especially concerning because the basement had been finished. Once you finish a basement, water problems like these are hidden from view and can go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.
Structural Repair
The homeowner hired a structural engineer to evaluate the damage and design the necessary structural repairs. Once the engineer completed the design, our team at Hughes Construction installed 14 steel pilasters inside the home to stabilize and reinforce the foundation.
By the time the homeowner came to us, the drainage issues had already been addressed — which is exactly the right first step. Taking care of drainage and waterproofing is essential to protecting your foundation over the long term. Without it, structural repairs may not hold up, as ongoing water problems can continue to cause damage.
Don’t Wait on Drainage
In this case, early action on drainage could have prevented the structural damage. Simple issues, like a clogged pipe or poorly placed downspout, can lead to expensive repairs down the line. If you’re planning to finish your basement, make sure to address any water and drainage issues first. Once the basement is finished, these problems can be hidden from view, making it much harder (and more expensive) to fix later.
Drainage Consultations
Designing a custom drainage solution takes significant time and expertise. We carefully calculate the correct slope, run-off, and drainage points to ensure the solution is tailored to your property’s specific needs. This detailed work requires laser-grade accuracy and thorough planning. To cover the time and resources involved in creating these custom solutions, we charge a $300 consultation fee. If you decide to move forward with your project, we apply that fee toward the total cost. This ensures that every solution is both precise and effective.
The Bottom Line
Cracks, sloping floors, or water near your foundation are signs to act. Early drainage fixes can prevent bigger issues and save you money. If you’re seeing these signs, now is the time to contact us. While our formal drainage consultations do carry a fee, we are always happy to answer questions or look at photos, free of charge.
