A french drain is a trench, filled with aggregate, that directs subsoil and water away from areas in your property that are prone to flooding. Today, a gutter repair company talks about the important things you need to know about french drains, including how they work and what they can do for your home.
Generally, french drains provide a channel for surface-level water to flow through. The water runs into a gravel-filled trench, and then into a perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench, and finally empties at a safe distance from the house.
The bottom of the trench should be sloped about one inch for every eight feet in the direction you want the water to travel. A drainage ditch, dry well, a low-lying area in the property, or the street are common places where the water can be diverted to.
Any gutter installation specialist will attest that when you frequently encounter issues with surface water, such as a soggy yard or driveway that washes out, a shallow French drain is an excellent cure. It extends horizontally across your residence, directly uphill of the location you want to stay dry. If water is getting into your basement, installing a deep French drain will do you wonders. It runs the perimeter of your house and intercepts water before it can seep into your basement. If you are building a retaining wall on a hillside, add French drain behind the first course of blocks.
Turn to Pechacek’s General Contracting, Roofing & Siding LLC for all your gutter, drainage and siding installation needs. Your new and improved home is waiting for you, and our certified team is standing by to help you achieve it. To schedule an appointment, call (715) 334-8842 or fill out our convenient contact form. We work with homeowners in River Falls, WI, and other neighboring cities.