Direct Rainwater Away From the Foundation

Roof runoff should move away from the building instead of collecting beside the foundation. A walk around the home during or just after rain can show where water is overflowing, pooling, or flowing back toward the structure.

What to check

1. From the ground, look for overflowing gutters, leaking seams, disconnected downspouts, and washed-out soil.
2. Clear leaves from ground-level drain openings and downspout extensions.
3. Make sure extensions discharge away from the foundation without sending water onto a neighbor’s property or a walkway.
4. Check that soil has not settled into a low spot beside the building.
5. Inspect the basement or crawlspace for dampness after heavy rain.

Avoid roof work and do not use a ladder in wet, windy, icy, or otherwise unsafe conditions. Hire a qualified gutter, drainage, or foundation professional for high access, persistent basement moisture, major erosion, or cracks that are changing. Follow local drainage rules before altering grading or discharge locations.