Best Practices for Site Drainage and Erosion Control

Protecting the Foundation from Water Damage

Water is the single greatest threat to a building’s foundation and surrounding environment. Effective site drainage and erosion control are non-negotiable, particularly on sloping plots common in many parts of United States of America USA.

Essential Control Measures

• **Positive Grading:** Ensure the final landscape slopes away from the foundation on all sides. This directs runoff away from the walls and prevents water from pooling around the structure.
• **Cut-off Drains (Trenches):** For plots on steep slopes, a cut-off drain installed uphill from the structure intercepts surface runoff and diverts it around the building, preventing it from eroding the foundation base.
• **Guttering and Downspouts:** Install a full system of gutters and downspouts that channel roof runoff into underground pipes, soak-away pits, or a rainwater harvesting tank, rather than allowing it to hit the ground next to the foundation.
• **Ground Cover:** Use vegetation, gravel, or paving materials on exposed soil as quickly as possible to stabilize the surface and prevent soil erosion during heavy rains.

Poor site drainage leads to foundation instability, dampness, and costly future repairs.