Everything You Need to Know About French Drains

French drains are simple drainage systems that divert water in the soil away from a house, or, in some cases, commercial properties. In this blog, metal roof company Carolina Home Specialists shares an overview of French drains, how they work, and what they can do for your property.——————————————– CONTINUE READING ——————————————–How French Drains WorkFrench drains are made of connecting lengths of pipe laid in a trench and covered with gravel. The pipes, which can be made of PVC, clay, or concrete, are perforated at the bottom, and are sloped downwards and away from the structure. It creates an unobstructed channel that separates excess water from the soil, which helps maintain soil consistency and stops the house from settling.Interestingly, the name “French drain” is not derived from the name of the country, but from a gentleman named Henry Flagg French. In 1859, he authored a book that’s more commonly known by its short name, Farm Drainage. The book contains information on how to effectively use open ditches, pipes, and tiles for farm drainage. Ideas from this book became the basis for how every drainage and roofing contractor built French drains, hence the name.When Do You Need to Install French Drains?Unlike typical drainage systems, French drains are equipped with pipes that have perforations on them. The joints are likewise not sealed, but rather just laid on the ground. The pipes provide clearance for excess water to flow through. Houses that are built on soil with a relatively shallow clay layer need French drains, as the clay has to be at a certain moisture level. Too much moisture can make the clay layer too soft, which can cause house foundations to settle. Uneven settling can result in large cracks in the walls, tiled floors, or, in extreme cases, the house literally splitting.Properties with soggy lawns can also benefit from French drains, particularly if it’s located on a hillside and a retaining wall needs to be built. If you have a problem with water leaking into the basement leaks, your home can benefit from one or two strategically-positioned French drains.Carolina Home Specialists is your leading provider of roofing and gutter services. Give us a call at (336) 740-9915 or fill out our contact form to schedule a metal roof estimate appointment.