Why is drainage important?
The number one cause for foundation problems in the Jackson Area is from improper drainage around the foundation. Also because of the make-up of the Yazoo Clay in our area it has as much potential to allow the building to heave (or rise up) as it could settle. Therefore proper drainage is important around a building.
Causes of drainage problems:
Most drainage problems result from improper grading. Grading is the slope of the yard. In general terms, a properly graded yard should slope gently downward from the house and toward the street and alley, so that all rain falling on the house and yard follows the slope away from the residence.
Additionally, many yards that were once properly graded develop problems, as growing trees and bush root systems create natural dams by raising the adjacent earth. Many flowerbeds are covered with mulch and pine bark each year. As these materials decompose, they naturally add a small amount of dirt to the level in the flowerbed. Over a number of years, the buildup of earth can cause water flow to change, and create a drainage problem. Additionally, well-meaning landscaping projects may also re-slope areas of the property and create low spots, or even cause water to flow toward the house.
Also there can be some underground water or subsurface water that affects the foundation of the residence. This could be an effect of water ponding around the foundation or in an area uphill from the building, soaking in the ground and causing water to pond at the foundation of the building. But there’s one question we need to ask first.