damage. The absence of a
splashblock will result in a "In Need Of Repair" notation on your
report. 14 Quick, Easy &
Inexpensive Ways to Improve You Home Inspection Report: Tip #5
Copyright
2007 by Tex-Pro Residential & Commercial Inspections
PH:
713.876.2298 www.texproinspections.com
Splashblocks are found beneath the opening
of the rain gutter downspout and direct the water away from the slab
and into the yard. They are made out of concrete or fiberglass or even
plastic, and they serve a very useful and vital function in protecting
your home from foundation damage. The absence of a
splashblock will result in a "In Need Of Repair" notation on your
report.
If a downspout does not have a splashblock to protect the ground beneath it, the force of the water flowing from the downspout will create a depression, or perhaps even a hole, where water will accumulate and pond. Standing water, poor drainage and erosion of the soil are all items that the inspector will write up.
Far worse, however, is the expansion of
the soil beneath that area, and that area only, of the slab. The
standing water that will lie next to the slab will be absorbed and
cause the soil in that particular area, next to the slab, to expand,
actually lifting the slab. Overtime, with more and more rain, this
expansion could cause
severe foundation problems. Anytime water is
allowed to pond next to the foundation of a house, this
problem is a
real possibility, and without splashblocks in place, it is almost
inevitable.
Splashblocks can be purchased at most hardware stores and builders warehouse's for about $8.00. That is very inexpensive compared to the cost of repairing the foundation of your home, and don't forget that it removes at least one and possibly several notations from the home inspector's report.
Copyright 2007 by Tex-Pro Residential & Commercial Inspections PH: 713.876.2298 www.texproinspections.com