Drains May Not Be Sexy But A Dry Basement Sure Is
September 6th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria
Drains, even French drains, aren’t the least bit sexy but a dry basement in the midst of a hurricane – well, that is an incredible turn on!
Today was all about Hurricane Hannah. Ordinarily we would have spent the day monitoring our sump pump, anxiously checking drains in the basement well and waiting for the inevitable wet carpet in the downstairs den. Instead, I was busy with clients and Virginia was off at a writers conference.
Why the luxury of not worrying? French drains. Like most homes build it Northern Virginia, we are mired in marine clay. Already heavy, mucky, and damp , marine clay can undermine any foundation unless proper precautions are taken.
Enter the French drain. We finally capitulated some five years ago and completely disrupted our life for a week or so. Our French drains were done on the interior of the house, saving our hard won foundation plants and perennial gardens, but adding a layer of dust that took weeks to eliminate.
No matter, the work comes with a life time guarantee (it even conveys to new owners when that day comes) and enormous piece of mind. Ummmmmmmm, maybe drains are sexy after all!
Want to know more about the company we used and the work it entailed? Call me at 703.927.4554 or drop me a line and I’ll be glad to share more about our experience.
Michael
; ?>/images/MatoChiclet.gif)
[...] Check foundation Shrubs or trees to close to your house may abrade the paint, conducting moisture to the siding and allow bugs and easy entrance point. Try to maintain a 3 ft. space between plants and house. Soil or mulch should not be within three-six inches of wood siding or you’re just inviting termites and carpenter ants to an all you can eat buffet. Finally, make sure that rainwater runs away from the foundation. In this area, heavy marine clay is a huge problem and you may want to consider French drains. [...]