Water damage can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. That’s why it’s important to fortify your gutter system and ground drainage, and to implement sturdy basement waterproofing. A French drain can be an excellent addition to a comprehensive water removal system for your home. If you’ve been having issues with standing water, take a look at a few facts about these drains below.  

What Are French Drains?

The purpose of gutters is to direct precipitation away from your home. French drains follow the same concept. These landscape features are made up of trenches that slope away from a structure, carrying water to the street, a well, or another naturally low-lying part of your property. They are typically filled with filtering materials, such as rocks, broken bricks, or large glass pebbles to remove leaves and other debris from the water stream. 

Why do Homeowners Install Them?

By removing this water from around your home’s foundation, French drains relieve some of the pressure on your existing basement waterproofing materials and shift the flow of rainwater to a more productive location on your property. Water that sits stagnant around a home’s foundation can lead to structural issues and a compromised foundation. Some homes even have French drains inside basements or under flooring, where they can further reduce moisture in a home. People may also install French drains if they are building a hillside retaining wall or to prevent driveway washouts. 

When you need an excavation specialist to help you improve your water drainage system, contact Hillside Landscaping & Excavation in Anchorage, AK. Their experienced team can tackle the excavation and post-installation cleanup. To learn about their extensive services, such as basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and landscaping, call (907) 522-4457. Visit the website for more information on how they can address your basement moisture issues.