Water Damage and Mitigation
This page was started in May, 2015 during the tremendous rains (some hail and snow) that occurred. Many folks sent notes into GMCA; this page reports those notes. You may elect to read from the bottom up since these are posted with the most recent first.
June 5, 2015 (with recommendation) - Hello - I wanted to add to the dialogue regarding the water damage/mitigation issues. We live on S. Cole Court. In the summer/fall of 2014, we too had water in our basement on four occasions. At that time, we had a french drain covering half the basement and 1 sump pump. Because we wanted to finish our basement, we took the following measures over that summer/fall: (1) replaced sump with an amazing/quiet one from Plumbline (and added battery backup); (2) had existing french drain scoped to confirm in working order; (3) redid some landscaping and exterior features to have water move away from house, including exterior french drain taking water from wettest corner out to street; and finally (4) had french drain completed and installed a second sump. Obviously this last measure was the most expensive. We got 4 bids and couldn't be happier with the person who did it - he was quick, clean, professional, and almost half the cost of the highest bid. Below is his info if you need similar work done (jacking concrete, installing french drain, installing sump, and relaying concrete). Knock wood, we have not had water since.
Claudio Saucedo
Saucedo Drains & Waterproofing
303-427-8870
720-353-7480
Claudio Saucedo
Saucedo Drains & Waterproofing
303-427-8870
720-353-7480
May 23, 2015 - My house on S. Cole Ct. was built in 1973. It has a French drain all the way around. It seems to have done the job. My neighbor across the street, down hill, has three sump pumps! I understand they do the job, also. His house was formally owned by a water engineer.
I recall digging a hole for a tree back in '73 and finding standing water at about a foot down. Since then, I have only had some garage flooding that was solved with the gutter extension Gail mentions as well as installing slopped dirt that moves water away from my house. I also recently had my driveway replaced. When demolition was done, a river flowed where my drive was. No doubt this was the cause of my drive raising about 3 inches in the winter! The driveway is now poured on top of a new French drain. -Dave
I recall digging a hole for a tree back in '73 and finding standing water at about a foot down. Since then, I have only had some garage flooding that was solved with the gutter extension Gail mentions as well as installing slopped dirt that moves water away from my house. I also recently had my driveway replaced. When demolition was done, a river flowed where my drive was. No doubt this was the cause of my drive raising about 3 inches in the winter! The driveway is now poured on top of a new French drain. -Dave
May 23, 2015 - I always start with the easiest and cheapest solutions to problems -- so I'd start with adding plastic extensions (at least 6 feet long) to the downspouts to get the water away from the foundation and be sure the gutters are unclogged and not dumping water near the foundation. -Gail.
May 23, 2015 I put in a french drain and sump pump years ago. Our homes on green mountain are built on bedrock which means, during the rainy season, rivers flow through our homes. The French drain redirects the water and the sub point dumps it on the front lawn. - Christine
May 23, 2015 - Here's another question regarding our recent weather: So many trees in my yard including a big ash in front that are typically late to put out leaves appear to have lost their leaves to the May snowfall. Are these trees dead or going to die soon? Has anyone been in the area long enough to experience weather related issues like this before? Phil [ed - see also http://www.greenmountainestates.org/tree-care.html]
May 22, 2015 - Sump pumps and french drains are the best prevention. If landscaping flows toward a house, that should be re-pitched to drain away, at least 5 foot.
Carpet cleaners (wet style) make a good extractor if you have wet carpets. Turbo Fans and Dehumidifiers are best for drying a wet area after standing water is removed. All three can be rented from a local rental store, such as A to Z Rentals or Taylor rentals. - Gpk
Carpet cleaners (wet style) make a good extractor if you have wet carpets. Turbo Fans and Dehumidifiers are best for drying a wet area after standing water is removed. All three can be rented from a local rental store, such as A to Z Rentals or Taylor rentals. - Gpk
May 22, 2015 - French drain is the way to go! My has been working with the flow of gravity and the sump pump is not kicking on due to the gravity flow of water from the French drain - Mike R