Wondering what a French drain is? Is building one necessary? How exactly does it work? Water always flows downhill, and by the easiest route possible. That’s the basic concept behind a French drain, a slightly sloped trench filled with round gravel and a pipe that diverts water away from your house.

Thompson Roofing and Construction, a leading local roofing contractor, delves deeper into the details and purpose of a French drainage system in this article.

What Is a French Drain?

A French drain is a ditch filled with aggregate that conducts subsoil and surface water away from your property in areas prone to flooding or pooling of surface water. French drain installation does not require specialized tools or equipment, making it a very easy and cost-effective method of land drainage. Generally, French drains are located along the building’s perimeter.

You will require professional advice before building a French drain, as it is critical to avoid any pipes, cables or other installations.

What Are The Types Of French Drains?

• Water from a collector and interceptor drain flows into the same drain. With moving dirt and debris, the drain should include a filter to quickly handle surface water. If not, you’ll have issues with the pipe.
• Traditional French drains, also known as curtain drains, collect water using gravel and perforated tubing that is covered in ground and vegetation. They’re the least disruptive of the bunch, according to roofing experts.

Why Are French Drains Important?

The most common reason for installing a French drain is to prevent water from pooling against a house’s walls. If this water is not drained, it can cause interior dampness. This can lead to the cracking of mortar joints and the degradation of brickwork. This is especially prominent if you own an older home.

For a single property, French drains provide numerous advantages. If you have a retaining wall in your yard, for example, a French drain prevents water from building up behind it and undermining it, which can cause structural damage to the wall. If your basement floods on a regular basis, a deep French drain can intercept water before it enters your basement, saving you time, money and aggravation.

Thompson Roofing and Construction is a respectable roofing company with years of experience in construction. We do roof repair, replacement and maintenance. Our team is also qualified and skilled in handling siding and gutter installation projects. 

Call us at (256) 252-3188 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve clients in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding communities.