Drainage around a house is not necessary in every situation. Its need depends on the site conditions, groundwater level, soil type, terrain and foundation design.
A drainage system is designed to collect and redirect water away from the foundation. It can be especially important on sites with poorly draining soils, high groundwater levels or areas where rainwater tends to accumulate around the house.
Without proper water drainage, moisture can reach the foundation or basement, damage waterproofing and contribute to mold or deterioration of building materials.
However, drainage should not automatically be installed simply because a house is being built. The solution should be determined based on the geotechnical study, foundation design and actual site conditions.
Before deciding whether a drainage system is needed, it is therefore important to assess the soil and how water moves across the site. A properly designed drainage system can protect the foundation and help prevent costly problems in the future.
