5 Benefits of Having a French Drain Installed at Your Home

French drains can be both useful and attractive. They’re often one of the first lines of defense for a home’s foundation, basement, and even the health and safety of its residents.  This is why French drains are among the best water management solutions anyone could install. These strong additions are made to work with the natural flow of water downhill, which helps property owners avoid the many risks that come with not preventing water damage. By channeling water away from problem areas, french drains can help prevent everything from flooding and water damage to mold and mildew. They can also help keep your foundation from cracking and shifting and even help improve your home’s indoor air quality by preventing moisture from building up inside.

How Do French Drains Work?French drains are built by a licensed contractor and installed under a property’s foundation. Water flows through the drains, often surrounded by gravel and cobblestone, and heads away from the house.  At the end of the pipe, the water flows out into a storm drain or a dry well. The good news is that the French drains can be installed in any soil, even in areas that are hard to work with. French drains can also be effective in helping to prevent basement flooding. Because they help water flow away from the house, they can prevent many common problems in basements, like mold and mildew, foundation cracks, too much humidity, and much more. Here are five benefits of having a french drain installed at your home:

1. They Prevent Water DamageIf your house has ever flooded, you’d know how bad water can be. Water is hard to clean and can damage walls, flooring, and more.  It can also change the air quality inside your home. French drains prevent water damage in several ways and keep water away from your home’s foundation. 

2. They Prevent Mold and MildewMold and mildew can be deadly. Mold and mildew can and will grow in damp environments and harm indoor air quality.  Mold is hard to remove once it has grown, so prevent its growth. French drains prevent mold and mildew growth and foundation cracking and shifting.

3. They Improve Indoor Air QualityThe air inside your house should be clean and healthy, but rain can make the air inside your house less healthy. It can also make your home a little less comfortable and less nice.  They can prevent mold and mildew, foundation cracks, too much humidity, and more by directing water away from the structure. They can also keep mold and mildew from growing and your home’s foundation from shifting and cracking.

4. They Prevent Foundation DamageThe foundation is one of the most important parts of any house. Its job is to keep the house standing straight and strong. If your home is too wet, your foundation might shift and break, causing cracks and leaks in your walls, floors, and ceilings.  French drains offer a perfect solution because they can help channel water away from your foundation and avoid building up inside your walls.

5. They’re Easy to MaintainFrench drains are built to last and are an excellent long-term investment. They are made of perforated pipes that are buried in a gravel-filled trench.  The pipe drains water from the soil around it and carries it away from your home. For this reason, you shouldn’t worry about maintaining and repairing them over time.  However, if you’re ever faced with a repair, it’s usually a repair that’s easy to make. You can simply replace the pipe, add more gravel to the trench, or clean the pipe if it’s clogged.

ConclusionFrench drains work, and they’re a great addition to any home. They can help homeowners stay safe, offer protection from mold, help an owner avoid water damage, and even help improve indoor air quality.  French drains are a great investment and are often one of the best ways to avoid the many problems associated with bad weather. DSLD Land Management is a full-service design/build landscape contractor that offers lighting, electricity, softscapes, and other services. Check out our drainage solutions now if you're searching for french drains in Birmingham, AL!