Planning will make preventing erosion easier.
Even a moderately heavy rain shower can erode the soil around the home when roof drains are not properly managed. When left alone over time, badly fitted or managed roof drains can lead to the loss of soil near the foundation of the home as well as improperly disposed of rainwater, which can easily run into the sewerage system, taking dirt and debris with it. Proper drain setup and maintenance will help in avoiding a chain reaction that can clog storm sewers and cause associated problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Plan from the start. The way water drains away from gutters and roof drains affects not only soil erosion but also the structural integrity of the building as well. Improperly positioned drains can lead to flooded basements, wet walls and heaving concrete. If any of these things are the problem, it may be necessary to look at the structure of the home's gutters and roof drains. Planning for drains to come out well away from the house from the start can make preventing erosion much easier.
2. Angle roof drains so they empty over concrete or asphalt that will not erode. In some cases, this can be as simple as adding a few extra pieces of pipe into the end of the roof drain to redirect the flow of water.
3. Install splash pads. If redirecting the flow of water is not an option, install splash pads at the end of the storm drains. These small pads will break up the flow of water and reduce it into smaller streams, lessening the effects of erosion on the soil around it.
4. Collect the rainwater. Shortening the roof drain and directing the water into a large plastic water barrel will eliminate the possibility of water erosion at the area around the drain. This collected water can then be recycled and used to water plants, the garden and the lawn during dry spells.
5. Use natural methods to stabilize the soil at the end of roof drains, as well as along the path of water flow. The application of mulch in areas that are susceptible to erosion can help break up the flow of water, and turning the area into a garden will also help stabilize the soil. Ornamental grasses with elaborate root systems will help hold the soil in place and can be an attractive addition to the landscape.
6. Clean gutters regularly. Leaves and other debris can build up in gutters, causing problems before the water even gets to the roof drains. Blockages are often stationary, causing overflow in the same spots. When this becomes a regular occurrence, the water falling from the gutters onto the soil below can quickly lead to erosion problems.
Tags: roof drains, flow water, away from, break flow, break flow water