Every homeowner wants to protect the value and safety of their home.

We landscape, paint, create outdoor spaces, install security lighting and exterior cameras, all in an effort to make our home a comfortable and secure place to live. And yet, many of us completely ignore drainage systems.

Proper yard drainage can prevent pooling water around your foundation, preventing foundation damage and structural issues with your home.

It’s easy to think of foundation problems as sudden disasters, a big crack appearing overnight, or a flood after a heavy rain.

However, most foundation issues build up slowly, often over years. Small leaks, minor cracks, and subtle shifts are easy to ignore, but they are early warnings that your drainage system isn’t doing its job.

Left unchecked, these minor problems can escalate into major structural damage, expensive repairs, and even loss of property value.

How Poor Drainage Affects Your Foundation

There are several ways that poor drainage leads to foundation problems.

Soil Erosion and Cracks

When rainwater isn’t directed away from your foundation, it can pool alongside your home.

Over time, this can erode the soil that supports your foundation, leading to settling and uneven pressure on the walls which can cause cracks.

An exposed foundation can increase the risk for water damage and seepage into your walls and basements.

Saturated Soil Expansion and Contraction

In many parts of Kingston and Napanee, there’s a lot of heavy clay soil, which absorbs water like a sponge and expands when freezing.

When this soil gets wet, it expands, pushing against your foundation walls. During dry spells, it contracts, pulling away and leaving gaps.

This repeated cycle and movement can cause cracks and shifts in your foundation. These problems can significantly impact the structural safety of your home.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the force of water pressing against your foundation walls. As water builds up in the soil, it exerts pressure on your concrete foundation. Over time, this pressure can cause bowing, leaks, and structural weakness.

Common Signs of Poor Drainage and Foundation Trouble

Preventing foundation damage, or preventing further foundation damage, it is important to know and recognize the signs of poor drainage and foundation trouble.

Here’s what to look for:

Water Pooling Near the House after Rain: If you see puddles forming around your foundation after heavy rain or storms, it is possible that your grading or drainage needs to be addressed.
Cracks in the Foundation Walls or Floors: Small cracks in the walls or floors can be a sign of shifting or settling caused by water pressure or changing soil moisture.
Musty Odours or Noticeable Dampness: Persistent dampness, mould, or musty smells typically mean water has entered the foundation and your basement.
Uneven Floors, Sticky Doors or Windows: If you notice slanted floors or you have difficulty opening or closing doors and windows, it is possible that your foundation has shifted as a result of poor drainage systems.

Early detection is key. If you notice any of these issues, it is best to reach out to professionals for foundation crack repair and foundation waterproofing. Acting quickly can save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs.

Common Causes of Drainage Problems

One of the best things you can do to protect your home is prevent drainage problems from happening in the first place.

To prevent problems, you need to know what causes them. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of poor drainage and foundation problems:

Improper Yard Grading

Ideally, the ground around your home should slope away from the foundation. If the grading slopes toward the house and the grading is off, the water will flow to the home and settle into the soil around your foundation or seep into the foundation itself.

Broken, Clogged, or Missing Eavestroughs and Downspouts

Eavestroughs and downspouts are designed to capture roof runoff and direct it away from your house. If they’re clogged, broken, or missing, water will spill over and collect next to your foundation.

Cleaning your eaves regularly, particularly in the spring and fall, can go a long way to preventing blockages and clogs, allowing rainwater and snowmelt to flow freely.

Poor Soil Composition

Certain soils, like the heavy clay common in the greater Kingston area, retain water and put extra pressure on your foundation walls.

Sandy soils, on the other hand, may allow water to drain too quickly, clog drainage systems and erode support.

Aging or Damaged Drainage Systems

Older homes may have outdated or deteriorating yard drainage solutions that no longer do their job. Even newer systems can fail if not properly maintained.

How Loyalist Waterproofing Solves Drainage Issues

At Loyalist Waterproofing, we provide a comprehensive solution to all drainage problems.

We can visit your home, provide a free inspection and estimate. From there, we will create a customized foundation drainage solution to meet your specific needs.

To protect your foundation, we provide: Extensive Drainage Solutions

We start by assessing the grading around your home to see if water isn’t flowing away from your foundation.

We carefully excavate the area around the foundation, make any necessary repairs, then add an air gap membrane to ensure proper separation and drainage of the wet soil around the home.

Installing or Repairing Drainage Systems

French drains and other sub-surface drainage systems are highly effective at channeling water away from your home.

We design and install the right system for your property, or repair your existing setup for peak performance.

Extending Downspouts and Adding Sump Pumps as Needed

Simple fixes like extending your downspouts can make a big difference.

For homes with persistent water issues, we install drainage systems, and sump pumps that actively remove water from around your foundation.

Foundation Waterproofing to Prevent Future Water Damage

From exterior waterproofing membranes to thorough crack repairs, we use proven techniques and high-quality materials to stop water infiltration at the source.

Every Loyalist Waterproofing project is backed by a 25-Year Lifetime Transferable Warranty, with no fine print. Whether you’ve lived in your home for decades or just moved in, you can trust that your foundation is protected.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait, Protect Your Foundation Today

Foundation and drainage problems rarely strike overnight. They build up slowly, often giving you some warning along the way.

However, with early intervention and expert help from Loyalist Waterproofing, these problems can be addressed, repaired, and resolved.

If you’ve noticed water pooling, dampness in your basement, or cracks in your foundation, don’t wait for things to get worse.

Our experienced local team will give you a fair, honest assessment and a solution tailored to your home—so you can rest easy, knowing your investment is secure for years to come.

Contact us today for a free quote.

How Poor Drainage Leads to Foundation Issues