French Drain Contractor Portland, OR
Providing the best French Drains in Portland, OR. Call us today for a free quote.
French Drain Portland, OR
There are two varieties of French drains: interior and exterior. In order to provide a strong first line of defense against soggy lawns and damp or wet basements, homeowners should begin with the exterior variety. This will provide a strong foundation and the best lawn drainage solution. An indoor French drain can then be installed if needed as part of a comprehensive basement drainage system.
That said, interior and exterior French drains both feature similar simple designs and are made to function much the same way. More or less yard drains, French drains are basically trenches filled with perforated pipe and covered with rocks.
Whether it is an interior or exterior French drain, the trench is dug at an angle sloping away from the home. This allows excess ground and surface water to collect and be directed from the basement to the designated drainage point. Like other types of drain systems, the water exits towards the bottom of the drain at its lowest point.
What Is a French Drain?
There are two varieties of French drains: interior and exterior. In order to provide a strong first line of defense against soggy lawns and damp or wet basements, homeowners should begin with the exterior variety. This will provide a strong foundation and the best lawn drainage solution. An indoor French drain can then be installed if needed as part of a comprehensive basement drainage system.
That said, interior and exterior French drains both feature similar simple designs and are made to function much the same way. More or less yard drains, French drains are basically trenches filled with perforated pipe and covered with rocks.
Whether it is an interior or exterior French drain, the trench is dug at an angle sloping away from the home. This allows excess ground and surface water to collect and be directed from the basement to the designated drainage point. Like other types of drain systems, the water exits towards the bottom of the drain at its lowest point.
How Do French Drains Work?
Water always makes its way downwards and finds a way to drain into air pockets and loosened soil. A French yard drain helps water do exactly that by providing a clear pathway for the water to drain.
By installing a sunken, gravel-filled channel, water is encouraged to collect from the surrounding soil and flow downward from the home and yard towards a specific drainage location. By doing so, less static water pressure is created and forced against a basement’s walls, resulting in drier walls with zero seepage and leaks.
For French drains to work correctly, the pipe-filled trenches must use gravity to attract water out of saturated soil and towards specific discharge points. A good discharge point will vary from one property to the next, but some examples of acceptable discharge points may include:
• A street or road
• Drainage ditches
• Drainage fields
• Dry wells
Properties on flat, non-sloped ground may require sump pumps to adequately control water flow away from the home. The water can be pushed into a dry well, storm sewer, or in some cases, the existing septic system.
Signs It's Time To Install a French Drain
A basement drainage system with a single exterior French drain or multiple drains both inside and out can be extremely helpful in addressing drainage issues. However, since French drain cost must also be considered along with the fact that not every home needs one, here are some warning signs of potential drainage problems to help homeowners make their decision:
• Flooding in the basement after heavy snow or rain
• Visible leaks and seepage
• Cracks in the foundation
• Water stains on the floors or walls of the basement
• Musty smells indicating mold growth
• High basement humidity levels
• Standing water and over-saturated soil
• Absence of other adequate basement waterproofing and drain systems
Still unsure whether a drainage system is needed and worth the expense? A home is an investment worth protecting, so the best course of action is to schedule an inspection with a basement waterproofing and drain professional.
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Benefits of French Drains
Portland homeowners who install French drains are able to rid their basements of pooling water, mold, and mildew. While French drains are just one of several drainage solutions, most experts recommend installing them as a primary safeguard against basements water leaks and seepage.
Here are some of the many reasons professionals prefer French drains over other drainage and waterproofing options:
1. Affordability
French drain cost is an obvious concern for many homeowners, but French drains are actually very affordable compared to other types of basement waterproofing solutions. This allows homeowners to focus on other projects like making landscaping improvements or refinishing their basement when the drain installation is complete.
2. Efficiency
For Portland homeowners, installing French drains may be all that’s needed to eradicate basement moisture and pooling water both indoors and out. The ability to efficiently transport water to an appropriate area away from the home can prevent the need for inconvenient and costly foundation repairs and/or mold mitigation.
3. Improve the Surrounding Landscape
In addition to keeping basements dry, French drains also route water away from the home and areas prone to pooling to prevent landscape damage. By doing so, they’re able to help transform soggy lawns into usable space, allowing homeowners to fully enjoy their outdoor areas.
4. Speedy Installation
When done by professionals, French drains usually take very little time to install. Not only do experienced contractors understand how to determine the best drainage point locations, but they also know how to best incorporate the yard drain into the landscape to create the most aesthetic appeal.
5. Easy to Maintain
Over time, sediment can collect in French drains and lead to clogs. However, cleaning French drains is easy. Homeowners can use a water hose with spray nozzle or a pressure washer to eject dirt and debris into the drainage area with as little effort as possible.
Why Hire a Professional?
Exterior French drains have relatively straightforward designs but installing them requires professional experience and tools. Even Portland homeowners who know their way around a toolbox should leave the installation of these drain systems to the pros for a variety of reasons, including:
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3. Knowledge and Experience
Read more →When installing French drains, contractors first examine the slope of the lot leading away from the structure. They know which measurements to take and how to ensure there is the right amount of slope to expel any excess water. Many homeowners lack the experience and specialized training needed to properly evaluate existing slopes, identify proper drainage points, and correctly dig the drainage trenches.
4. Specialized Equipment and Tools
Professional drainage contractors have access to the right equipment and tools needed to properly install the drain without damaging the surrounding landscape. They also purchase gravel, landscaping fabric, and other materials in bulk, allowing Portland homeowners to save money on the cost of materials.
5. Worry-Free Maintenance
Professional drainage contractors have access to the right equipment and tools needed to properly install the drain without damaging the surrounding landscape. They also purchase gravel, landscaping fabric, and other materials in bulk, allowing Portland homeowners to save money on the cost of materials.
6. Permits and Codes
Professional drainage contractors have access to the right equipment and tools needed to properly install the drain without damaging the surrounding landscape. They also purchase gravel, landscaping fabric, and other materials in bulk, allowing Portland homeowners to save money on the cost of materials.
Why Choose Us?
When installing French drains, it’s best to leave it to the professionals rather than an independent contractor or general laborer. We are a reputable drainage and basement waterproofing company who specializes in keeping basements and properties nice and dry.
Here are some of the reasons Portland homeowners choose us for their basement waterproofing and yard drainage needs:
• Each of our drain pros are experienced, licensed, and insured.
• We can gladly provide a portfolio of recent work along with references upon request.
• Our representatives are easy to contact and can help keep homeowners informed throughout the project.
• Homeowners can expect to be thoroughly briefed on their drainage options.
• We have dozens of positive customer reviews driven by years of experience in French drain installations.
• Our customers receive nothing but utmost professionalism every step of the way.
• We treat each client and property we serve with the respect and care they deserve.
• Our drain pros provide detailed estimates of each project so customers know what to expect before getting started.
• We have an excellent reputation driven by a commitment to provide nothing but the very best customer service and results.
The Bottom Line
When installing French drains, it’s best to leave it to the professionals rather than an independent contractor or general laborer. We are a reputable drainage and basement waterproofing company who specializes in keeping basements and properties nice and dry.
Here are some of the reasons Portland homeowners choose us for their basement waterproofing and yard drainage needs:
• Each of our drain pros are experienced, licensed, and insured.
• We can gladly provide a portfolio of recent work along with references upon request.
• Our representatives are easy to contact and can help keep homeowners informed throughout the project.
• Homeowners can expect to be thoroughly briefed on their drainage options.
• We have dozens of positive customer reviews driven by years of experience in French drain installations.
• Our customers receive nothing but utmost professionalism every step of the way.
• We treat each client and property we serve with the respect and care they deserve.
• Our drain pros provide detailed estimates of each project so customers know what to expect before getting started.
• We have an excellent reputation driven by a commitment to provide nothing but the very best customer service and results.