Waterproofing Your Home: The Limits of Exterior Drainage Solutions

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Can sloping dirt away from your foundation or extending your downspouts truly safeguard your crawl space from flooding? Join us as Michael Church, the Crawl Space Ninja, unravels this misconception and guides you through the ins and outs of effective outside drainage. You'll learn why relying solely on exterior solutions like French drains isn't enough and why incorporating an interior waterproofing system and a sump pump is crucial. This episode is packed with practical advice on handling roof water, surface water from hills, and even runoff from neighbors to protect your home comprehensively.

Michael shares expert tips on the best materials and techniques for downspout extensions and French drains, cautioning against common pitfalls like using perforated corrugated pipes for downspout extensions. Additionally, he stresses the importance of a proper vapor barrier to prevent water from bypassing your drainage system. If your home dates back to the 60s, 70s, or 80s, or if you're frequently battling water issues in your crawl space, Michael's insights could be a game-changer. Don't let contractors push partial solutions—equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure your crawl space remains dry and protected.

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Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

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