DK Environmental - DK Environmental Discusses How Proper Landscaping Can Prevent Water Damage

Landscaping and Water Damage Prevention: Water Damage From Outside Sources

Landscaping involves making your home or business look good from the outside. Most people assume water damage comes from serious problems, like a burst pipe or a significant flooding event. However, something as simple as spring rain can produce devastating results for a residential or commercial property without a suitable landscape.

After rainfall, saturated soil and water runoff can introduce excess moisture to a building’s foundation, siding, and other structures. Proper landscaping techniques significantly reduce the risk of water seeping into a building. Ignoring your property’s exterior can result in costly and often preventable damage.

Landscaping Tips for Water Damage Prevention

A landscape can look beautiful, but it should be functional and attractive. By making the best use of the land and standard landscaping techniques, it’s possible to prevent water damage from rain. Use these tips throughout a residential or commercial property.

Yard

A lawn that does not have a downward slope away from the house or commercial building is a significant water damage risk. The land around the building should slope a minimum of ten feet away from the building on all sides. This land grading will ensure that the lawn doesn’t allow rainwater to flow toward the building, leaving it susceptible to moisture damage from rainwater.

If the property needs an exterior drainage system, the paths should drain water away from the house. A sloped yard will fix some drainage issues, but occasionally landscapers need to use different approaches, like drainage ditches or pipes. It is necessary to clear existing drainage systems regularly of litter, leaves, and other debris to prevent clogs.

Plants

Planting new grass is an excellent way to avoid oversaturated soil that could cause puddling around a building. Grassroots help absorb water as long as landscapers don’t cut the grass blades too short. Close mowing weakens the root system, which can cause lawn flooding.

Mulch and some local plants also effectively prevent water damage from poor landscaping. Indigenous plants and mulch in garden areas help minimize soil erosion, which reduces the risk of flooding and moisture damage to a house or commercial building.

Driveway or Parking Lot

Parking spaces near buildings usually have water runoff. If the parking lot or driveway is higher than its accompanying building, water can puddle close to the building and cause significant damage. Properties are also at risk if drains have clogs due to storm debris, leaves, or litter.

Drainage areas near driveways and parking lots can help rid the property of rainwater runoff. Consider installing a gravel paver driveway, or channel drains next to an existing driveway. If the property has a parking lot, landscape maintenance may include:

Immediately repairing damaged curbs
Regularly inspecting runoff drains for clogs
Monitoring for standing water after rain

Why Choose DK Environmental?

Water damage restoration from a reputable company will help restore a home or business if landscaping efforts don’t stop floods or leaks. DK Environmental is the go-to water damage restoration contractor in Marysville, WA, and the surrounding areas. The experienced team has years of experience with emergency water cleanup, water restoration, and mold remediation.