French drains were first written about in 1859 by Henry French, hence the name. The idea is that this drain acts like a ditch without the unsightly effect of a ditch on your property.
French drain installation, and it may be something you are interested in if you are a homeowner. This can be a great addition to any property if you have drainage issues.
Water damage is something that all homeowners should be aware of on their property. This kind of damage can create all kinds of problems for your property and the structure of your home.
Keep reading to find out what a French drain system is and why it is useful.
How Does a French Drain Work?
If you are considering having a French drain installed, you should understand how a French drain pipe works. This drain system is used to divert and carry away moisture and excess water.
It is usually installed in basements where moisture is often a problem. This French drain system can accomplish this by using a sump pump to divert water.
Because basements are below ground level, moisture can often seep through the walls, windows, and floors. This is a problem that can be difficult to prevent, depending on the climate.
Along with other preventative measures, a French drain system can remove this moisture. Directing it outside before it can cause any damage to your home.
Interior French Drains Vs Exterior French Drains
You may also be curious about indoor versus outdoor French drains. There are two types, and they are going to be useful for different issues that you may have on your property.
Exterior French drains are often installed to prevent standing water over your property. They are installed by digging a trench and putting a pipe in the trench that redirects the water to another area.
This is ideal for taking excess water away from your home and preventing standing water. Interior French drains are installed indoors to prevent indoor moisture accumulation.
Depending on your property, you may want to consider installing both options. Although, interior French drains are much more common sense many homes have basements.
French Drain Benefits
Now that you know what a French drain is, there are many benefits to consider. If you’re struggling with moisture in your basement, this could be the prevention you need.
This is one of those home-improvement projects best left to the professionals. It may feel like an investment at first, but it can help to preserve your basement for many years.
More Affordable Than Repairs
One thing that holds many homeowners back from getting a French drain system is the cost. French drain cost options are pretty limited since this is an extensive project.
You can usually expect to pay between $4000 to $13,000, depending on the size of your basement. This is a significant investment, but for many homeowners, it can pay off.
Repairing water damage done to your basement will usually cost even more if this preventative step isn’t taken.
Prevents Growth
Another benefit of having French drain installation is the prevention of growth. If there is moisture accumulating in your basement, you are going to have things growing down there.
This may not seem like a big problem, but it can become a health concern. Things like mold and fungus thrive in moist environments and can start to take over your home.
There are many health concerns related to this kind of growth that can be a danger to your family. If left untreated, fungus and mold growth will spread to the rest of your home.
Can be Hidden From View
In many situations, basement walls can be framed over the French drain channels. This helps to conceal these drains from view so that they don’t become an eyesore.
This is a great option if you use your basement and don’t want to constantly see the drains. It can keep your basement looking tidy without the concern of water accumulating.
Prevents Standing Water
One concern about water in your basement is that it creates standing water. Standing water is a health concern since it can start to grow or produce pests.
We have already discussed the risk of mold and fungus, but pests like mosquitoes also thrive in water. Standing water can result in different pests infesting your basement.
Standing water is also a slip risk since you may not see it when entering your basement. If left long enough, it will start to damage the basement floor, leading to costly repairs.
Good for Finished or Unfinished Basements
Whether your basement is finished or not, French drains are a good option. This is a preventative staff that you can take even if you haven’t finished off your basement area.
The drain channels are concreted back to the level of the floor in most instances. But these channels can also be left open if you need to access those drains.
This is a great option if you plan on finishing your basement, and you may need to access the channels. Or if your basement is finished, you can have those channels concreted over instead.
Why You Should Have a French Drain Installed
If your home has a basement, you may want to consider a French drain system. This is an excellent preventative measure to help your basement to stay safe and dry year-round.
Do you want to have a French drain installed? Contact us today at Armored Basement Waterproofing to schedule a free basement inspection.
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