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To my customers, past present and future. I know that it is hard to find the right people to  get foundation drainage done  correctly.

It has repeatedly come to my attention that most landscapers don't understand what is required to deal with foundation problems, foundation repair companies only  want to sell unneeded piers, and most companies with the word drainage in their name don't understand the basics of preventing, stopping and reversing foundation movement and damage. Even with my explanation and drawings it seems nobody wants to do it right.

I am continually astounded at the number of so called drainage experts that continually try to run water uphill. Put in drains that don't empty, that literally don't have exit points. Gutters that dump back to the house and my favorite, drains that don't catch water.

There are two basic rules to drainage.

• Water does not run up hill. 
• Water will away take the path of least resistance.

That being said there are a multitude of ways to let water run down hill and take the path of least resistance. 

It helps to know where the water comes from and the tools that are available to take it away and the common sense to make them work.

Dealing with interior water intrusion in residential and commercial buildings.

My job for the last forty years has been dealing with specific foundation problems. One of the main issues I deal with every year is drainage induced problems.

Not only is poor drainage the cause of a majority of the foundation damage in North Texas and other areas of expansive clay soils, but also the cause of rain water entering the home.

The intrusion of water, through exterior points of the home, such as weep holes is usually rather obvious.

Water or damp spots showing up in central areas of the structure, away from outside walls happen less often and usually take a specialist familiar with foundations, soils and drainage to affect a solution. This is usually a product of a weakness in the structure and a pressure buildup under the slab.

Pressure tends to build up around and under slab foundations as the soil swells from the induction of water pulled in by capillary or wicking action. As the pressure increases to a certain point, areas of the foundation will either be moved/lifted above grade or will find a small crack or weak point in the slab foundation where the pressure will be relieved by flowing up into the interior of the structure.

To attempt to solve either result by trying to seal the weak spot, without relieving the pressure, may at best stop the intruding water, while transferring the pressure, which will likely cause the structure to move, which may damage bricks, sheet rock, door frames or other problems we consider foundation damage.

Call me for more information or pass this along to friends who may be experiencing these issues.

Richard Rash, Foundation and Drainage Consultant, 817-308-8186