Your Home and Runoff: Reducing Roof Water Runoff

If you’ve ever experienced a long storm, you know the pain of mushy gardens, lifted fence lines, weakened root systems and minor flooding. While being proactive about your roof’s runoff water may not undo the damages caused by heavy rain, it can still spare your yard area. Rainwater should nourish your yard, not destroy it. If your home’s roof water is running amuck, check out the tips below to spare your fertilizer, yard and softscape installations.

First: Remove Impermeable Surfaces

Often, runoff water cascades off of solid surfaces. You can maintain your gutter system, but your ground area may need attention. Impermeable surfaces can direct floodwater into dangerous territory. You should find less-permeable landscape options, and replace any impermeable planters. Consider using gravel, as it’s a go-to absorbent ground installation.

Second: Install Drain Spouts

Your roof’s gutters might be creating unwanted runoff. If your paved surfaces are being cascaded with water, you should consider installing rain spouts on your gutters. These rain spouts can misdirect falling water, sparing any vegetated ground while assuring the area’s security. Flowing water can be tough to manage, but it’s absolutely controllable if you take the right precautions.

Third: Add Runoff Trenches

If you can’t replace your driveway’s features, you’re still in luck. You can add features to your driveway and surrounding areas, reducing overall water flow and protecting your lawn. Consider adding runoff trenches, and try to capture water running off your driveway. If you’re desperate, consider pairing the runoff trenches with intelligently placed rain barrels.

Fourth: Build a Rain Garden

If you want to be really creative, consider building a rain garden. A rain garden is a sunken garden plot which protects and nurtures specific plants. Plants which thrive in deep, soggy environments can benefit from this type of installation. They can also catch, hold and misdirect precipitation. Really, they kill two birds with one stone. If your soil needs time to soak up excess water, you can build the garden deeper.

Make sure any lawn areas experiencing heavy rainfall aren’t being sprayed with harsh chemicals. Sometimes, water runoff can be toxic—delivering toxic materials to sidewalks, streets, gutters and animal habitats. You have a lot of runoff water solutions available, but contact your professional provider about any installations.

Over time, you’ll get a handle on your lawn’s needs. Make sure your home’s gutter system is secure, and get creative with your area’s natural water flow.