When it rains it pours, true with our recent monsoon events. Our prolonged drought welcomes the rain, but water can be an enemy. Good drainage around your building and property is vital!
Ideally, the ground should slope away from your building, and landscaping should be protected against erosion. Unfortunately, many times we see the opposite! Here are a few tips that may help minimize damage from heavy rain.
- Check that water from your property has a path to discharge to the street.
- Installing a trench with perforated pipe or gravel (often called a French drain) that is sloped to carry water away is often effective.
- If you have exterior ground-mounted AC units, make sure they are protected from water (especially roof run-off) to prevent potential corrosion.
- Soil vulnerable to erosion can often be stabilized with rock (rip-rap), plantings or a retaining wall.
- Masonry fences usually have holes for water to drain away to prevent pooling. Check these from time to time to make sure they are clear of debris.
Criterium-McWilliam Engineers specialize in residential and commercial building inspections. We are staffed with licensed professional engineers. Please contact us to schedule an inspection if you and your client have concerns about drainage or erosion. First published in October 2017