Many homeowners understand the importance of having runoff water from their roofs guided away from their foundation. They therefore understand the importance of extending their downspouts as part of basement waterproofing.
Downspouts should drain water not less than eight feet away from the foundation. This is far enough to prevent water from collecting near the foundation. This water can cause water damage by seeping into the soil and increasing hydrostatic pressure acting against the foundation wall. It can also seep through any cracks in the foundation wall and cause flooding in the basement.
Extending your downspouts is an easy and affordable way to keep your basement dry, ensure the health of your household and protect the structure of your home. However, many homeowners believe that it is a job they can easily do on their own.
There are several factors that these homeowners tend to overlook.
- The steps taken for proper installation
There are several steps taken by professionals to install the extensions. These steps are taken to ensure that the job is done right. Missing one or several of these essential steps can lead to failure of the system which can result in a problem that is even more difficult and expensive to repair. It is, therefore, best to leave the job to the professionals in the first place. This will help to ensure that it is done right the first time round.
- Proper position of the extensions
Installing downspout extensions is about much more than simply fixing the extension to the end of your existing downspout. The positioning of the downspout is vital for its effectiveness in the long term. Poor positioning of the downspout can result in a negative impact on your foundation and landscape. For example, you may experience soil erosion or the discharged water may flow back to the foundation and cause damage.
Extending downspouts is not a DIY job. Trying to install these extensions on your own can result in serious damage to your foundation, landscape and property in general. If you want to prevent these risks, it is better to consult with a professional.
- Not all professionals can install extensions effectively
Not all professional contractors have the skills and experience required to install downspout extensions properly. If you want to protect your foundation, it is best to talk to a contractor that truly understands foundations and how downspouts and the landscape relate to it. A basement waterproofing contractor is therefore the ideal contractor for the job.
Contact the professionals at Ohio State Waterproofing today! (330) 467-1055
Ohio State Waterproofing has provided quality service with over 80,000 successful waterproofing and foundation repair installations and satisfied customers since our inception in 1978.
Ohio State Waterproofing’s philosophy for success is to provide honest, courteous and guaranteed service to every customer. Our reputation reflects this. Our well-trained waterproofing technicians are dedicated to complete customer satisfaction. This is achieved through fast, efficient processes as well as teamwork throughout this organization. You will always find a friendly representative willing to meet your needs at Ohio State Waterproofing.
We are a full service company that handles problems ranging from patching cracks to rebuilding basements. In addition, we hold three patents related to waterproofing that make us unique in the industry. These patents and our experience allow us to be able to do what every other waterproofer can do, but no one else can do what we do.
We are actively involved in the industry and community, including the National Association of Waterproofing Contractors, BHA, NARI, NAHB, NHIA, the BIA, the FHA and a number of consumer advocacy groups, as well as playing leading roles in a number of charitable functions.
But, most importantly, our highest degree of praise comes from the thousands of referrals we get from satisfied customers. Together they’ve made us a leader in the basement waterproofing and foundation repair industry.