French Drains
French Drain – Inspection and Cleaning
The accumulation of water is the sworn enemy of your foundation, since it reduces the life of the latter by cracking it, in addition to creating risks of water infiltration that can cause significant damage. Taking care of the foundations of your residence is the key to long-lasting maintenance. If you have any doubts about the problems with your property, call us now to speak to an expert.
What is a French Drain?
In a few words, the French drain is a drainage pipe that is installed along the base of the foundation.
Its function: to drain the excess water that accumulates at the base of the building in order to avoid any infiltration of water inside it. With a French drain, you avoid many problems caused by water infiltration, such as mold and the proliferation of bacteria that can crack your foundation and lead to very expensive damage to repair.
The French drain is perforated to allow water to enter and drain. The pipe is often wrapped in a geotextile membrane (flexible polyethylene, standard flexible polyethylene, pcv/bnq) in order to limit the accumulation of sediments which can reduce its performance.
Do business with specialists for your French drain
It is essential to call on specialists, such as those working for Pavé IHM, to have your French drain installed, because, in addition to the standards to be respected, it is absolutely necessary to check the presence of electric wires, gas or any other connection or hose before starting work. This is a very delicate practice.
Only then can you go through the excavation stage, which means digging around the house, down to the base of the foundation in order to position the membrane that will protect the foundations. The French drain is then installed around the perimeter of the house, while ensuring that it slopes to promote the flow of water.
Finally, the drain is covered with clean stone, then wrapped in a geotextile membrane to prevent small residues from blocking its operation.
Knowing the standards and regulations has enabled Pavé IMH to be a leader in the field for several years.
What are the signs of aging in a French drain?
If your French drain is old, you will detect the following signs:
- NEfflorescences (white rings) at the base of the concrete walls;
- NMold at base of Gibbs walls that cover exterior basement walls;
- NWet concrete slab;
- NHigh level of humidity in the basement;
- NIf your drain shows one or more of these signs, it's time for you to have a new one installed.
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