We have certainly been seeing our fair share of rain in Nebraska lately. While that’s great for our plants and gardens, it could potentially be very damaging to your home if you have poor drainage and improper landscaping.
Drainage and landscaping actually play a big part into your homes foundation. When you have drainage issues, water can pool near the house and build up around your foundation. This puts pressure on your foundation walls, causing them to crack and leak. Water will always find the path of least resistance, so sometimes that means through the foundation, basement floor or even your crawl space.
Common Yard Drainage Problems and How to Fix Them
To prevent water from building up and putting pressure on your foundation, you’ve got to keep the water away from the base of your home.
Gutter and Downspout Problems
Leaky, clogged gutters and downspouts that don’t extend far enough away from your home can easily lead to water pooling up against the foundation. Be sure to regularly clean your gutters to keep water flowing and not spilling over. You can also install screens to protect debris from collecting and clogging your gutters so you can clean less frequently. Also, be sure to extend downspouts as far away from your foundation as possible.
Improper Grading and Slopes
If water pools near your home or in your yard, you most likely have improper grading. We recommend you add dirt to the area until the soil slopes outward from the house, also known as grading. It is also important when you consider landscaping, as raised flower beds and gardens can either effectively channel water or be a major source of drainage problems.
Remember not to only consider your landscaping, but any concrete surfaces as well. Pavement and other hard surfaces also need a proper slope to allow rain water to flow away from the home.
Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Soil grading and downspout extensions are essential to keeping your basement dry and preventing foundation cracks, however a basement waterproofing system will be the only way to absolutely ensure that water stays out of your basement.
BDB Foundation Repair offers basement waterproofing systems that divert water that comes in at the cove joint, where the floors and walls meet. Water goes under the slab and into a drain tile system that is installed alongside the base of the foundation. Its patented design has a rubber seal on the back that presses against the wall. This seal prevents moisture and soil gasses, such as radon, from entering your home, making the air in your home cleaner and healthier.
Why Use BDB Foundation Repair?
With BDB Foundation Repair, you get just what you need to fix your problem. We want to help you solve your problems permanently, so we won’t try to sell you something you don’t need. And of course, all of our work comes with a warranty.
We provide ourservices throughout Omaha, Lincoln and eastern Nebraska, as well as Council Bluffs and western Iowa. Call us at 402-779-3165 or email us for a complete basement inspection and no-obligation repair cost estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect my home's foundation during spring in Nebraska?
The best way to protect your foundation during spring in Nebraska is to clean gutters and downspouts, inspect your foundation for cracks, maintain proper yard grading, and ensure water drains away from your home’s foundation. These simple maintenance steps help reduce the risk of water intrusion, soil movement, and foundation damage caused by seasonal snowmelt and spring rainfall.
Why is spring the best time to inspect your foundation?
Spring is an ideal time to inspect your foundation because winter freeze-thaw cycles can create new cracks or worsen existing ones. Homeowners in Omaha, Lincoln, Elkhorn, and surrounding Nebraska communities should look for foundation cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors, or moisture in the basement before these issues become more expensive to repair.
Can clogged gutters cause foundation damage?
Yes. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause rainwater to overflow and collect around your home’s foundation. Over time, this excess moisture can weaken the soil, increase hydrostatic pressure, and lead to foundation settlement or basement water leaks. Regular gutter maintenance is one of the easiest ways to protect your foundation.
How does improper yard grading affect a home's foundation?
Improper grading causes water to flow toward your home instead of away from it. This increases the chance of water pooling around the foundation, leading to soil erosion, basement moisture, and structural movement. Homes throughout Nebraska benefit from proper grading that directs rainwater safely away from the foundation.
When should I call a foundation repair professional after noticing damage?
You should contact a foundation repair professional as soon as you notice cracks, water intrusion, uneven floors, sticking windows or doors, or other signs of foundation movement. Early inspections can help prevent minor issues from becoming major structural repairs. Homeowners across Omaha, Elkhorn, Lincoln, and nearby Nebraska areas should schedule an inspection promptly if they notice these warning signs.
I woild like an assessment of my property. Sump is getting water into it and it is being pumped out but still have water in the Basement on heaVy Rains