French Drains
At Level Up Foundation Repair, we understand the importance of catching issues early and preparing for them prior to problems occurring. The foundation of home is vital, without a solid foundation the whole structure will tumble and fall. Proper care, preparation and craftsmanship all play a role in how a foundation or houses level will hold up in the future.
Along with proper foundation building and repair is proper drainage. The drainage of a home is important to help keep the foundation and structural integrity from being compromised when excessive rains hit. The ground in Oklahoma known to be difficult to work with at best and it takes a practiced, professional team to understand and set up drainage systems like the French Drain. You may be wondering what a French Drain is, that’s OK because you’re about to learn in detail what they are and how your home can benefit from it.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain has many names – weeping drain, blind drain, rubble drain, rock drain, drain tile, perimeter drain, land drain, French ditch, sub-surface drain, sub-soil drain, and agricultural drain. Basically it is a trench that is filled with gravel or rock; it will also have a perforated pipe that is used to redirect surface water and groundwater away from your home or other specified area.
The pipe or oftentimes multiple pipes runs along the bottom of the ditch to evenly and quickly disperse and vent water that seeps through the upper rock or gravel.
The major use of French Drains is to prevent any water from causing damage to the foundation of a building. They also may be used to properly distribute water, like that found in a septic drain field. French drains are also used to relieve water pressure behind retaining walls.
Why a French Drain?
They’re great for areas like Oklahoma where the ground settles from time to time and the drainage system must adapt to the settling. You can easily plant grass or other vegetation above them when you so desire. And they are perfectly capable of being built on slopes facing downhill. When built correctly, they can be used to direct and filter water straight into dry wells and rain gardens where the excess water can easily be absorbed by plants. If you’re looking for a team to install a French Drain on your home or have questions, Level Up Foundation Repair is qualified and experienced to handle the situation or answer any questions you may have.
