Spring runoff can cause extensive damage to your home’s foundation  – if it’s not directed away from your home with some sort of water solution. Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville, we are foundation repair experts. But we hope that you don’t end up need foundation repair in the first place! That’s why we also offer a wide range of water solutions, including downspout extensions, French drains, catch basins, drainage swales, and waterproofing. Along with professional solutions like these, there are also a few things that you can do on your own to help deal with spring runoff. Continue reading to learn more, and if you’re in need of foundation repair or water solutions, contact our team!

What is Spring Runoff?

Here in Nashville, we get some pretty big spring thunderstorms! Spring runoff is any precipitation that doesn’t soak into the ground right when it falls. For example, when rain hits a hard surface like driveways or streets, it’s channeled through drainage systems. But sometimes, large storms overwhelm the drains and cause flooding. This moving water can erode slopes, carry debris, and cause water damage to your foundation and basement. It’s particularly important that you have a plan for how spring runoff will be diverted safely from your home. 

1. Add Plants And Trees

One of the easiest things you can do as a homeowner to manage spring runoff is to add trees and other plants to your yard. Incorporate plantings where runoff collects. When the runoff soaks into the soil, the plants will help absorb it and prevent it from pooling and causing damage. More so, a tree’s canopy helps divert rainwater.

2. Breakup Concrete Areas

We’re experts at pouring concrete patios, driveways, and more, but it’s unsafe to have a large concrete slab because it doesn’t allow for water to be absorbed. New concrete should be poured with rainwater in mind, and if you’re wanting a patio where you also have water pooling, consider incorporating pavers or bricks to allow water to seep in between items.

3. Catch Runoff

Install a rain barrel or cistern to catch stormwater runoff from your roof. Not only is it a great way to combat runoff, but you can also use it to water your garden!

4. Plant A Rain Garden

Rain gardens are shallow catch basins that are then planted as flower beds. Rain pools in the basin and then percolates through the soil. Our team can create a catch basin for you, and you simply plant what you love within it!

5. Swap Turf For Native Plants

Plants that are native to Nashville are adapted to the wet spring that we get and are more adept at absorbing rainwater than grass. Plus, they don’t require as much maintenance – win-win! 

Foundation Repair Experts – Nashville

We hope that learning about these actionable steps to combating spring runoff was helpful! If you’d like to invest in a more large-scale water solution, contact A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair.