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Additional Ways To Divert Water Away From Your House

Rain gutters are very useful for preventing water damage to your home and preserving its structure.  By diverting water away from the foundation and siding, gutters ensure that water doesn’t seep into your home and cause problems like a flooded basement or mold.

Sometimes, however, you might need an alternative to a gutter.  Perhaps cleaning your gutters is becoming too much of a hassle.  Maybe they don’t function properly anymore, or you just want an option that has a more pleasant appearance.  Regardless of the reason, there are various alternatives out there.  Below are ways that you can direct water away from your house without using gutters.

Drip edges

Drip edges are metal sheets that are fixed along the edge of the roof.  They are designed to reduce the speed of falling rainwater and direct it away from the house walls.  Drip edges protect both the foundations and the walls from absorbing water and getting damaged.  This makes them a good alternative since water can seep behind gutters and rot the wooden boards that they are mounted on, as well as the wooden joists that frame your roof.

You can find drip edges made from copper, aluminum, steel, and various kinds of plastics.  The three main options are type C, the standard L-shaped; Type D, which is T-shaped and more effective at keeping water away from the long wooden board on the edge of the roof; and Type F, which is a more extended version that is better suited for retrofit on existing roofs.

Drip paths

If you are looking for a more stylish option, drip paths are paved sections that are built right under the roof to catch the rainwater that drips down.  By placing rocks and gravel stategically into the soil, you can divert water away from the foundations of your home.  To install, first determine the location at which rainwater runs from your roof and onto the ground.  Then, dig a trench around the house and ensure that the materials are installed correctly so that the water flows away from the building.   Also,  add some shrubs or small plants to make the area look more attractive.

Rain chains

Originally from Japan, rain chains are metal cups with holes in the bottom to connect them all.  They take rainwater from the roof and direct it all the way down to storage vessels above or below the ground.  They can also direct water into things like a planter, says Home Stratosphere.  Rain chains are installed on the corner of the roof.  In order to keep a pleasant appearance, it is advised not to have too many rain chains on your home’s exterior, so this method is better for smaller roofs.

Rain chains are available in different designs and materials, making this alternative an aesthetically pleasing choice.  However, something to note is that they can be costly, especially if they also require a professional installation.  And, they aren’t ideal in heavy rains and need to be removed in freezing temperatures.

Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards prevent debris from entering gutters.  They can save you a lot of time cleaning and maintaining your gutters. They’re also effective in avoiding gutter freezing, stopping blockages, and improving water flow.

Regular Maintenance and Gutter Cleaning

Remove debris, stones, leaves, and more from your gutter drainage system to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Removing twigs and leaves prevents pests and animals from forming a nest, which could affect your drainage system.  Use a small scoop with smooth edges to collect anything accumulated in your gutters.  Follow up with a garden hose to clean the area and flush out any stuck-on residue.

Install Downspout Extensions

A downspout extension helps to redirect water to a specific location — particularly away from your home’s foundation to prevent any water buildup or damage to your home.  These extensions also help to control the flow of water and prevent splashes everywhere, which could cause mold and dampness in some places.

Use Splash Blocks at the End of Downspouts

Splash blocks help to protect your lawn from damage as water flows out of the gutter drainage system.  They connect to the bottom of your gutters and collect water that would otherwise pool at your home’s foundation.  They’re beneficial if you often experience heavy downpours or to prevent mold and fungus infestation caused by a buildup of water.

Install Buried Corrugated Drainage Pipes

This type of drainage pipe has small holes that allow water to enter and exit at a slow rate.  They’re effective in preventing your lawn or house foundation from drowning in water.  They also help to drain the water away from your home while remaining hidden.

Improve Yard Grading and Slope

Yard grading helps to prevent rainwater from building up.  Renovating your garden with a slope (with the help of a landscaping expert) allows water to drain slowly to a more extensive section away from your house.  Preferably, the grading will slope by around one inch every foot from your home.  Most importantly, the ground shouldn’t slope toward your home, which would worsen the chances of rainwater building up near your home.

Consider Installing French Drains

A French drain keeps water from traveling toward your home.  They can prevent damage to your home caused by collecting any rainwater before it reaches the foundation.  French drains are also beneficial in averting large pools of water away from your lawn.

Direct Runoff Toward Storm Drain/Dry Well

A dry well installs under your lawn and can save your property a lot of water damage.  This system channels water to the lowest point in your garden, giving the water a place to collect.  It then dissipates the moisture into the soil, preventing copious amounts of water from building up around your home or on the lawn’s surface.

Install Roll-Out Drain Sleeves

These DIY drainage filters attach to the base of your gutter and prevent clogged pipes, allowing stormwater to flow through and disperse.  When rain pushes down onto them through the gutter, they automatically roll out to allow the rainwater to drain away from your home’s foundation.  They then easily fold back in when it’s dry, saving space in your garden.

Fill in Any Low Spots

Don’t allow water to sit in your flowerbeds or gather in large pools surrounding your home by hiring a professional to resurface any low spots.  An uneven surface encourages water to gather in large puddles.  While it might be a significant commitment, leveling out your garden and path improves water drainage.

Get Rain Barrels or Cisterns

This is one of the most effective and quickest drainage solutions.  Install a rain barrel underneath your drainage system to collect rainwater, which you’ll then pour out into sewage pipes.  This stops rainwater from building up around your home.

Build a Rain Garden

This is a shallow area in your garden explicitly designed to collect rainwater.  It’s surrounded by plants that will eventually soak up the water and provides a specific location for rainwater to head to.