Home Waterproofing Maintenance

Waterproofing is never a one time job. As long as you own your home, you should be completing quarterly and yearly, home waterproofing maintenance to ensure longevity of your property. After consulting with Koppers Quality Waterproofing for your general waterproofing services. We highly recommend checking in to get tips and resources on how to keep your property dry! This “Home Waterproofing Maintenance Checklist” are recommendations that compliment our existing waterproofing services.

Clogged
Inspect

Make sure to regularly check around the outside of your home. Are there cracks in the concrete? Is the driveway in good condition? Does the roof have loose or broken shingles? Is the chimney showing signs of wear? Are there any foundation cracks or signs of water pooling around the home? To help maintain your home for years to come, focus on these tasks to help decrease the risk of water damage to your property:

  • Trees. If your property has trees within 10 feet from your home, contact a certified arborist to remove the tree. Although trees provide many benefits, tree roots cause extensive damage to a home’s foundation. Ultimately, the tree roots grow into the home’s foundational structure and causes severe cracks and home instability;
  • Gutters. Your gutters control the flow of rainwater on your house, protecting your roof, siding, and foundation. In addition, clogged gutters can cause roof leaks and water infiltration. Clean and check for damage them at least twice a year;
  • Pool. If you own a pool, it’s time to open it again for summer. You’ll have to treat the water, check and change valves and filters, and inspect all the equipment before you’ll actually want to swim in the pool. You could hire a pool service to do the dirty work;
  • Septic tank. If your sewage collects in a tank, it should be inspected annually and emptied as needed. On average household septic tanks need a to be cleaned every two or three years. During these times waterproof your septic tank before issues arise;
  • Sump Pumps. Since there are many different types of sump pumps, remember to review the manufacturer’s manual for maintenance and service schedules. For personalized instructions the Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturer’s Association (SSPMA) for more detailed instructions;

Waterproof with Rain Gardens

Waterproofing is never a one time job. As long as you own your home, you should be completing quarterly and yearly, waterproofing maintenance to ensure longevity of your property. After consulting with Koppers Quality Waterproofing for your general waterproofing services. We highly recommend checking in to get tips and resources on how to keep your property dry! This “Waterproof with Rain Gardens” is a recommendation to compliment our waterproofing existing waterproofing services.

Waterproofing with Rain Gardens
Waterproofing with Rain Gardens
Why do you need a rain garden?

Rain gardens are an easy way to capture rainwater that otherwise may lead to flooding and increased pollution. Because rainwater flows across our yards, patios, parking lots, and other hard surfaces, the water picks up oil, pet waste, fertilizer, sediments, and other pollutants. Eventually, this polluted storm water runoff courses into storm drains and into our streams and rivers, and back into your tap water.

Benefits of Rain Gardens:

Flooding Protection

First, growing a rain garden is an economical way to direct water runoff. Gardens not only increase curb appeal and home values, but they also help to reduce the amount of rain that flows into your basement and sewer. By growing a rain garden at least, 10 feet from your home or other structures, the plants naturally absorbs excess water. Most importantly, rain gardens help to reduce localized flooding, replenish the local groundwater, and improves local municipality water quality.

Pollution Control

Second, rain gardens filter out sediment and other pollutants. Such as animal waste, brake dust, oils and automotive chemicals. By capturing the first inch or so of rainwater runoff, the gardens helps slow down water flow because it is it filtered by the soil and plants.

Water Conservation

Third, because a rain garden allows water to slowly soak into the ground this eliminates the need to water the garden. Therefore reducing your need, and the expense of watering your garden. Thus allowing other sources of water collection, like rain barrel water, to be used on fruit and vegetable gardens.

Habitat Creation

Lastly, rain gardens should always be planted with “deep-rooted native plants”. Deep-rooted plants infiltrate rain water in wet times and and locate water during dry times. In addition native plants will survive the best because they are adapted to the local climate, seasons, and weather changes! These plants will also attract, and provide shelter and food for wildlife and support pollinators. Native plants will invite a variety of beautiful birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects in your outdoor space.