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French Drains: Their Function, Operation, and Connection to Gutters

Living in Michigan, we experience significant rainfall throughout the year. This abundant precipitation makes the state beautiful with its lush greenery but can cause devastating problems for homes without proper drainage systems. If you are wondering how to protect your home and property from water damage, this article has been designed to help you better understand what French drains are, how they work, and how they are related to a home’s gutter system. Providing you with the reasons your home may benefit from French drains and what causes the need, this article will aid in the decision-making process for protecting your home in the future.  

What is a French Drain Anyway?

Unless you have a profession in roofing, building, or landscaping, you most likely are not familiar with the term French drain. Do not be confused by the fancy name, French drains have a very practical purpose. Just like most drains, the simple function of a French drain is to move water from one location to a more desirable location. The unwanted water is moved away from vulnerable structures (including the home itself) and any other areas in the yard where the water is undesired. It is then diverted by the French drain to a better location such as a municipal storm drain or an underground cistern. 

How Do They Work?

To understand the benefits of French drains, knowing how they work is essential. First created is a ditch in sloped ground, a perforated pipe is then placed in the ditch and usually covered with rock giving a nice aesthetic look. The drain is angled away from the vulnerable spot and diverted to another location. Allowing water to flow from the ground level prevents pooling. Let’s take a look at some of the key components of a French drain explaining how they aid in the overall function:

Sloping Ground and Trench: The slope of the land and the way the trench is dug will create the desired flow of water.

Perforated Pipe: The perforated pipe allows water to pass through easily and carries the water to the desired location. Many times the perforations are covered with landscape fabric (or another material) to prevent weeds, soil, or other debris from clogging the holes.

Natural Stone Covering: Using a natural stone or rock to cover the French drain adds to the look of your home and aids in the overall management of water on your property.

Area of Diversion: The location of diverted water is important. Some French drains are capable of draining into a municipal sewer system or other underground cistern. For properties large enough, the water can be diverted into more desirable areas on the property.

How French Drains are Related to Gutter Systems

Both gutter systems and drain systems are used to move water away from the house. They are two separate components of the home’s drainage system that work together to collect and move rainfall. Let’s take a look at how these systems are different: 

  • Gutter systems of the home move water from the roof downwards towards the ground.   
  • Drains move the water from the ground away from the structure or other vulnerable areas.
  • Gutter systems are installed on the roof of the structure. 
  • Drains are at ground level.

As you can see, there are distinct differences between the gutter system and the drain system. However, both must be functioning properly and in tandem to adequately protect your property from any unwanted water collection or damage.

Why French Drains?

You may be wondering why some homes have French drains and others do not. Or perhaps you are installing a drainage system and need to know what’s best for your home. There are many factors used to determine if French drains are appropriate for a property or not. Geographical location can also play a significant role in this decision. Here in Michigan, the significant amount of rainfall we experience over the year can lead to flooding. In this region, property owners can benefit from French drains. Read below to find out what causes the need for French drains, and why some homes have them, and some do not. 

What Causes the Need?

  • If your property does not have space or a practical location for a ditch, you may need a French drain.
  • If you have standing water on your property that is jeopardizing the integrity of your structure, you may need a French drain.
  • If your retaining wall or structure is at risk after heavy rains, you may need a French drain.
  • If you have water pooling at undesired locations on your property, such as your vegetable garden, you may benefit from a French drain.
  • If you live in an area that has sloped terrain and/or abundant precipitation, you may benefit from a French drain. 

Why Do Some Homes Have French Drains?

  • Homes that have a low spot, allowing for water to pool after heavy rainfall.
  • Homes that have the potential of having water seep into the basement, foundation, or crawl space.
  • Homes located in wet, humid climates will have French drains that help reduce the risk of structural damage and the growth of mold, mildew, and algae. 

Why Do Some Homes Not Have French Drains?

  • Sometimes a property lacks the appropriate space to have French drains.
  • If there is not a proper location to drain the water, a home cannot utilize the French drain system.

The Takeaways on French Drains

French drains are an important part of an effective water drainage system, especially in regions like Michigan where heavy rainfall is part of our climate. By knowing and understanding how French drains work and their relationship with gutter systems, homeowners can make a well-informed decision on how best to protect their property from water damage. Installing French drains with the help of professional gutter services in Ludington ensures that your home has a comprehensive water management system. Ensuring your drain system is appropriate for your home helps prevent issues like basement flooding or foundation erosion. Installing a French drain can provide peace of mind and safeguard one of your most important investments for years to come. For the best results, it is important to integrate both French drains and properly maintained gutters to ensure maximum protection against water-related issues.

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