Houston residents know how much a heavy downpour or sudden flash thunderstorm can affect the yard. Without the proper support, water can build up and sit in your outdoor living space with nowhere to go.
It’s not fun seeing water in the same location for hours and days, plus there is a risk of water damage to exterior of your home. That’s why installing a french drain can be a good fix for drainage issues.
Find out more about this option and check out our french drain before and after photos to see for yourself how we can help improve your yard and patio.
When Is it a Good Idea to Install a French Drain in Houston?
There are several good reasons to install a french drain. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Getting rid of water build-up. Do you have a wet spot at your home that you know is going to be filled with standing water after heavy rain? Or, does water accumulate in one area after you use your sprinkler system or water the yard? A french drain can help minimize standing water and direct it where you want it. Instead of accumulating and becoming a nuisance, water can free-flow to a designated location!
2. Removing water from downspouts. Do you have gutters at your home? When that rain flows through the gutters and comes out your downspouts, it needs a place to go. If you don’t have a french drain, then water will rapidly accumulate in the area near your downspouts. You can place a french drain near your primary downspout to ensure that rainwater flows from the roof to the gutter to the downspout to the french drain to the street.
3. Removing free-fall water. If you don’t have gutters and downspouts at your home, then water will just free-fall down to the ground near your residence with nowhere to go. You need a system to control the flow of water at your home. A french drain can serve as the proper solution to keep water under control in the absence of a gutter system!
This is important because if water falls and splashes up on the foundation and siding, then your home could be damaged and boards could rot. You don’t want to have to cover the cost of expensive maintenance. Also, a french drain with rock covers will keep dirt and mud off your house to help you keep your home looking nice even right after a rainstorm.
4. Creating a patio area. Let’s say that you want to install a new patio at your home. This addition will likely alter how water flows at your residence. A french drain can complement the new structure to make sure that water does not build up and cover the surface. You want to ensure that the patio stands the test of time and is not damaged by constant water build-up! Adding french drains directs the water away from your home and you can then cover up the pipes with patio pavers or landscaping.
5. Drainage issues during patio installation. During patio installation, you may discover existing drainage issues at your residence. Instead of scrapping the patio plans, you can use a french drain to take care of that headache so that you can complete the project. You don’t have to let the risk of water damage affect your installation plans.
What Pavertime Looks For During a French Drain Assessment
A french drain is useful to remove water from key locations at your residence, help you maintain good yard conditions, and ensure that pathways are clear from rising water levels.
Our experts at Pavertime can assess your property and provide you with a recommendation of whether to install a french drain. We will look for the following primary issues during the assessment:
- Signs of water buildup. (Where are the main locations where ponding occurs?)
- The slope of your yard to determine how water flows.
- Existing water discharge at your residence.
- Where the gutters are placed at your residence (if you have gutters and downspouts.)
- Drainage considerations inside/outside the patio if you plan to install a patio.
Because of our years of knowledge working with the Houston climate, we understand the needs of each individual yard. We are knowledgeable about the various soil types in Houston, the role of trees in supporting or hurting drainage, water discharge, and other issues that may not seem like a big deal but could actually greatly impact drainage.
We know exactly what to look for when drainage issues are in play. We’ve helped Houston residents for decades and we’ve seen it all. Our experts know how to help you out!
In Pictures: French Drains Before and After
Take a look at some of our handiwork. Check out these photos of french drain before and after projects.
[Image URL: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QZoV3oFejogOZz3_yL5ySJy3B66yPcVJ/view?usp=sharing]
Use French Drains to Make Your Yard Beautiful
Oftentimes, water buildup and removal is just one issue that residents have to deal with. Our experts can take a look at your entire outdoor space to determine whether it would be a good idea to upgrade or improve other areas. Some great options that complement a french drain installation project in Houston include the following:
- Hardscapes
- Gravelscapes
- Xeriscape and Zeroscape
- Rocks around the french drain
- Decoration around the intake grate and discharge area to beautify your yard.
These ideas are great for Houston residents because of our hot climate, heavy sudden rains followed by periods of drought, and unpredictable weather during the winter season. We’ll find ways to make sure your yard can thrive in any condition!
Contact Us for a French Drain Consultation
Installing a french drain is a great idea for residents across the Greater Houston area. Whether you have an older home with drainage issues, you want to install a new patio, or your yard lacks the proper slope for water to flow, we can make a recommendation that fits your home.
A french drain serves a valuable purpose to remove water and reduce water build-up. Even if you don’t really see how it works because the action takes place underground, you can rest assured that your home is in good shape.
Give us a call today at 832-831-6058 to speak with a member of our team and schedule an appointment. You can also complete our contact form. We can also send you more french drain before and after pictures to give you more ideas about how we can help improve your Houston yard. Let’s get to work!
