Regrading soil around the foundation and extending downspouts are two important things that a homeowner can do to help prevent water from getting into a basement or crawl space. In no way will this solve a basement or crawl space water problem, but it will help redirect water away from a home’s foundation. Only with a basement waterproofing system can a homeowner expect to have a dry basement... and, of course, some waterproofing systems are better than others.

Downspout Extensions

To help alleviate the amount of water that sits around a home’s foundation, extending downspouts is a good practice. Downspout extensions should not detract from the home’s curb appeal and should not hinder lawn care either. Of the many available downspout extensions, Basement Systems RainChute® downspout extensions offer both of these benefits. RainChute is virtually invisible as it sits below the ground level and is a grass-green color to blend in with the lawn. RainChute is also self- flushing, so you never have to worry about it clogging, and due to its being recessed in the ground, a lawnmower or tractor can run over it without damage.

Regrading soil
Regrading the soil around the foundation of a home is another way to help direct water away from the basement or crawl space. Poor drainage near the foundation of a home allows more water into the basement – and as above, even with a basement waterproofing system installed, it is always the best practice to alleviate the amount of water that enters the system. Digging trenches that take water away from a home’s foundation and regrading the earth to drain water into those trenches takes a little labor, but can help reduce the amount of water that is entering the basement or crawl space.

Never Rely on Extended Downspouts or Regrading to Prevent Water from Entering a Basement or Crawl Space

Regrading the soil and installing downspout extensions should never be relied upon as a basement waterproofing solution, they are only good for eliminating some, not all, of the water that sits around the foundation and enters the basement. All the rainwater that runs down the side of the house, especially if there is wind, and all the rainwater that falls in an eight-to-twelve foot perimeter around a home, has the potential to sink down against the foundation.