Help WantedComplete our Job Application!   Call For Service Quotes!    |    913-764-6229

Archive for category: Wet Yard Repair

You are here: Home / Wet Yard Repair

Yard drainage problems can lead to more problems then just muddy shoes. Learn how you can prevent and repair soggy yard problems from the drainage experts at Gordon Energy & Drainage.

Create A Backyard Oasis

/in /by

Barbecue and gardening season are upon us. Spring brings graduation parties and the rest of summer is full of baby showers and weddings. Kansas is one of the states with the highest birthrates, most of which happen between June and August. With the influx of outdoor gatherings and events during summer months, start creating the perfect space to entertain friends and family.

Re-imagine

The days of concrete slabs and a few shrubs or flower beds are long gone. Outdoor areas have become extensions of living areas.

Furniture and electronics have modified or created new products that are designed to be used outdoors. They are weatherproofed to withstand wind, rain, and your rambunctious nephew that only believes in running. Furniture sets are often made of wrought aluminum. They look like wrought iron, but they don’t rust. Of course you can still go with the more tradition rattan or wicker furniture if you want a cozier, more country feel.

Bring the Kitchen Sink Too

Extending your space isn’t just limited to living areas. Backyard grills have gotten bigger and better too. The option of fire pits and outdoor ranges can be employed for those active summer party schedules. If you want to spend more time outside, rather than inside, install storage space for utensils and small refrigerators to just ‘live’ on the patio this year.

Assess Old Layouts and Change as Needed

Since you want it to feel as comforting as possible old brick paths or concrete slabs can be replaced with gravel. It’s cheaper than the original and will give your space a garden-y feel. Gravel can allow for better drainage as well.

In keeping with this idea, privacy can be created without the use of fences. Create walls and ceilings with plants, like boxwood and honey locust trees. Screened porches add privacy too. Not only can shades be drawn for more private gatherings, they have the added bonus of helping keep insects from ruining the party.

Take a little time this month sprucing up outdoor areas to get the most out of your summer. What’s your dream yard look like?

Grow A Better Yard With Proper Drainage

/in , , /by

Standing water in the yard is enough of a nuance for walking or mowing, but that water could be causing other problems too. If you have trouble growing anything, drainage may be the problem. Maybe you made plans to spend your summer in the garden, another place drainage often poses problems to itself and your yard. Take the time to ensure proper drainage systems are in place before you begin.

Signs Drainage is Affecting Your Yard

Of course all plants need good soil to grow, but if you have that and are still struggling to sustain growth consider these things, all of which can be affected by poor drainage:

Strong roots help keep plants in place, but also aid in their health. If roots are weak, trees and flowers are more likely to contract certain diseases that will inhibit growth or cause them to die.
Photosynthesis is how plants turn water, sunlight and other chemicals into nutrients for growth, which will decline if they’re given too much water. You can tell if your yard or garden is holding water by looking at leaves for a yellowish hue in place of the normal green. If the problem persists, the leaves will eventually die and fall off.
Moss, typically found in wetland environments where water is stagnant, shouldn’t grow in yards and gardens. Unless it was intentionally planted, remove it as soon as possible and seek to remedy the drainage issue(s).
Because problems with drainage arise from a variety of reasons—soil type, proximity of gutters to the house or the amount of foot traffic the regularly yard sees—there isn’t just one quick fix.

If you would like more information about ways to prevent and repair yard drainage problems, call Gordon Energy today at (913) 764-6229.

Spring Into Action

/in /by

spring lawn care mowing the lawn

Spring is in the air! With the first official day of Spring on Wednesday, March 20, I am feeling the excitement. At this time of year, I start looking forward to the chores and projects I’ll need to do outside.

I’m sure we are all ready for barbeques, drinking lemonade on the porch and playing in the yard. First, we have to help our lawn move from Winter to Spring. Let’s think of some things we can do to get our lawn and house ready for Spring!

 

  1. tune up your lawn mower-Make sure your lawn mower is ready for all the work you’re about to use it for this season. See if it starts up immediately. If it doesn’t, it may need some work. Change the oil, the spark plug and the air filter. You can do this yourself or hire someone. You’ll be glad you checked early in the season!
  2. rake it out- You raked last fall, but this rake is important, too. Rake the weeds and dry grass before any other lawn projects. If you’re planning to seed or use fertilizer, all of the debris will keep it from reaching the soil.
  3. say goodbye to the weeds- Use a weed killer to keep the weeds out of your yard. Starting early in the season will help prevent the weeds from producing more seeds and taking over your lawn.
  4. prune- This is the best time to prune trees and shrubs around your lawn. For spring-flowering shrubs, wait until they finish blooming.
  5. plant and transplant- This is a good time to plant and transplant many flowers, trees or shrubs.

These steps should help you get your lawn ready for the warm months ahead!

Hurricane Sandy Proves Importance Of Yard Drainage

/in , /by

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the importance of proper yard drainage and sump pumps has become clear. We sympathize with those who experienced Sandy’s destruction. We have also noticed the appreciation for sump pumps, finding several YouTube videos of sump pumps in action during the storm and forums expressing relief over the use of battery back-up sump pumps.

The use of battery backup sump pump systems helped save many homes from costly flood damages. While the storm caused horrific damage, we see an opportunity to prepare for the future. Thankfully we don’t have to worry about hurricanes in Kansas City, but we certainly do have to worry about flash floods, torrential downpours, etc. Your home’s sump pump is a line of defense against approaching water. Take a look at the benefits of having a sump pump.

  • Protect your Goods – A safeguarded basement will prevent damages to storage or living spaces.
  • Improved Health – When water invades your home, mold is able to grow and spread. This can irritate allergies and cause respiratory problems. Guard your family from these health risks by ensuring your basement is watertight.
  • Protect your Investment – Your home is probably your largest investment. Installing a sump pump will protect your real estate investment and make selling your house easier when the time comes.

The benefits of a sump pump may not be easy to see when all is sunny and dry. We may not need to worry about hurricanes in the middle of the country, but when a natural disaster does strike, you will be glad you prepared. As we have seen in recent weeks, natural disasters do not give much warning. We want you to feel secure in your home. At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we are proud to be Kansas City’s top sump pump installation company. We will help you maintain a working sump pump to ensure your property is secure. If you’d like more information, contact Gordon Energy & Drainage today!

Downhill Battle: Diverting Water Away From Your Home

/in /by

We once heard a great philosophy from a home inspector in Minnesota who had a simple motto: If you don’t want water inside, keep it outside. As foundation experts, we couldn’t help but agree. It really is that simple! At least, in theory. The process, however, is a little more complicated.

At Gordon Energy & Drainage, one of our specialties is helping homeowners protect their property from water and flood damage. As the seasons change, rains come and go, soil dries and expands, foundations settle and develop cracks. When this happens, water makes its way into the gaps and into your home causing major damage to both the property and your personal belongings. In order to prevent this from happening, we suggest following the home inspector’s advice, and we can help.

First, it’s important to understand the flow of water around your property. Water will always follow gravity and run downhill, and it will always take the path of least resistance. Because you can’t change this fact, the key is to put it to work for your advantage by helping it flow easily downhill away from your house. There will be obstacles, of course, as many landscapes include features that interfere with downhill flow. For instance, you may find depressions next to the foundation that are filled with rocks or mulch, which allow the water to seep through the cracks back toward your home, or run up against landscape edges that create dams. Improperly sloped sidewalks, patios and driveways can also add to the problem, as can faulty downspouts and gutters.

In order to overcome these obstacles, you may have to make a few home repairs such as adding downspout extensions and filling exterior depressions. The point is to make sure that the perimeter grade around your home slopes away from the property and remains obstacle-free or as close to it as possible. A minimum of one inch per linear foot over the first five to six feet is recommended with a half inch thereafter for a reasonable distance. Hard surfaces should slope at a quarter inch per foot. And, when it comes to landscape rock and mulch, you don’t have to abandon it altogether, just install it on top of sloped soil and let the water to run downhill underneath.

In some cases, you’ll need professional help, which is where we at Gordon Energy & Drainage come in. As foundation and drainage experts, we can both help you create a system that diverts water away from your property and also help waterproof your basement and foundation walls. While it may sound like an involved process, it’s one that can’t be ignored. Water damage and foundation problems will not solve themselves and will lead to further damage if not treated immediately.

Instead of letting rain and water continue to settle around your property and create costly home damage, divert it away from your home by giving the water an easy path. Let us at Gordon Energy & Drainage put our services to work on behalf of your home and your family by helping you create a system that protects one of your greatest assets.

For a free property evaluation, call Gordon Energy & Drainage today!

The Big Deal About A Little Flood

/in , , /by

It’s more than just a mess. It’s more than just an inconvenience. It can cause expensive damage to your home and ruin irreplaceable personal belongings. It’s something to be avoided at all costs and a problem that should never be underestimated. What is it? It’s water in your basement. And if left untreated, even the tiniest of leaks can wreak havoc on your home.

Of course, the most obvious damage done by water leaks are to personal belongings. Sentimental items commonly stored in basements are some of the most valuable items to be destroyed simply because they can’t be recreated. Along with important documents and historical records, other damaged belongings can include laundry appliances, carpeting, electronics and furniture. And while replacing washing machines and televisions is possible, it is costly.

Beyond the loss of possessions, basement floods and leaks can also cause structural damage to your home. The moisture causes doors and cabinets to warp and can lead to the deterioration of sub-flooring, beams and even the floors above the basement. If any of these are greatly damaged, the home repair cost will skyrocket along with your home’s instability.

But it’s more than just a home issue. If you still need proof that basement water is a serious problem, just consider the health factor. Roughly 15 million Americans are allergic to mold, which is exactly what is produced when water is allowed into a home. The buildup of mold and mildew, which is bred in dark, damp environments, can lead to any number of reactions from slight inconveniences like itchy eyes and runny noses to the severe threats including lung infections, asthma and pneumonia-like symptoms. This becomes especially dangerous for those who have current health conditions or who have weak immune systems. Thus, it’s important to deal with the problem as soon as it is detected.

When it comes to water in your basement, you can’t just clean up the mess and move on. Something went wrong that allowed the water inside, and if it isn’t treated, it will keep happening. Whether it is a hairline crack or a major gap, it needs to be handled before it costs you more in home repairs, health care bills and the loss of personal belongings. Plus, let’s face it; it smells bad too, and no one wants a musty basement.

This fall, as the rain returns to Kansas City, be sure to keep a good eye on your basement and look for signs of water entry. If you see any leaks or cracks, call Gordon Energy & Drainage. We’ll evaluate the situation for free, outline the repair options and let you make the final decision. As one of Kansas City’s most trusted companies, we promise to give you the highest quality of work available. So don’t wait for water to cost you more than you are willing to pay. Call Gordon Energy & Drainage today for a free estimate!

Leaks, Cracks And The Return Of Rain

/in , , /by

This drought will end sometime. In fact, all of our favorite news outlets are forecasting rain in the future, and when it arrives, you can bet the soil will be ready to receive it.

The question we all need to ask, then, is whether or not our basement is just as ready. This summer’s drought took a toll on many home foundations. As the soil dried up, the ground pulled away from the perimeter of most houses, causing the property to settle and crack. And to this point, because it’s remained so dry, these cracks may have gone unnoticed.

That’s a good thing if you’re a homeowner. No one wants to find out the hard way that their basement walls have cracks. That means there’s water everywhere and that your personal property is damaged or ruined. Instead, we believe you want to discover any damage before the rain returns to the area. That way, you won’t have to wade through wet boxes and soggy papers to fix the cracks that formed over the summer.

Think about basement cracks like this: When it rains, your home takes on the nature of a boat floating on a lake. If the boat has any holes in it, the water will seep through the parts submerged. It’s the same way with your basement. When the groundwater rises, it will find a way into your basement through any exposed area, even hairline cracks.

At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we specialize in wet basements and damaged foundations and can spot any potential dangers that are threatening the condition of your home. And now is the time to have your property inspected. Either go down to your basement on your own and do a thorough examination of the walls and surfaces, or call in the professionals and have us take a look. We can help you either spot any unnoticed damage or evaluate and fix what you’ve already detected. Because with the extremity of the drought this summer, it’s a safe bet that your home took a beating at its base. And, like we said, you don’t want to find out the hard way.

Before you become a victim of basement cracks and find yourself paying the high price of water damage, take time to look over the area and check for cracks and places where water could seep through. If you see anything suspicious, contact us at Gordon Energy & Drainage. Spare yourself the hassle of a wet basement. Call us today!

How Soil Moisture Leads To Water Damage In A Home’s Basement

/in , /by

It’s best to prepare yourself now: If you have a foundation or a basement, chances are you will get a leak at some point. That’s just part of owning a home or property. Because the moisture level changes so drastically in the soil (like this summer’s extreme drought), your home’s foundation walls and floors will be under a great deal of stress. Let us explain…

Without moisture, dry soil contracts and pulls away from the foundation walls and footings. Obviously this isn’t what causes the leaky basement, but it does cause stress, cracks and settling, and that’s where the leaks come in. These detrimental cracks in the foundation become the places where leaks appear once the rains come back and moisture is reintroduced to the soil.

On the flipside, when the soil is wet, it expands and pushes against a foundation’s walls and footings. This pushing squeeze against the foundation walls causing cracks and making the walls bow inward. The wet soil can also squeeze against the bottom of your floor and create cracks and heaving. Depending on the severity of the problem, water can enter the basement through these cracks and create damage to your home.

When the change in soil causes cracks that lead to basement leaks, there are several solutions we at Gordon Energy & Drainage can offer depending on the nature of the problem.

PROBLEM:  Water comes up from underneath the floor through cracks or other penetrations.

SOLUTION:  We break up the concrete floor and install a sump pit to collect the water. Then we install a sump pump to discharge that water and install a drain tile.

PROBLEM:  Water comes through a crack in the foundation wall.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

1.  Dig up and expose the crack on the outside and patch the crack with waterproofing.

2.  Inject the crack from the inside using epoxy or chemical grout.

3.  Do both repairs listed above.

PROBLEM: Multiple cracks on the foundation wall are allowing water to seep through.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

1.  Dig up and expose the entire foundation wall down to the footing. Install a waterproofing membrane and drainage board on the entire wall; then install a drain tile system that takes this water to a sump pump or daylight.

2.  Install a collection system on the inside of the wall that collects the water and takes it to a sump pump.

Should the soil moisture level create problems for your foundation that lead to cracks an leaks, we want you to know that there is usually a solution—maybe even more than one. The key is to know the options, lay them out on the table and then pick one based on the costs and probable outcome.

At Gordon Energy & Drainage it’s our job to help you through that process. We’ll examine your home and help you determine both the cause of the leak and the best way to fix it. Our professionals will walk you through all of the available options and help you determine the best solution for your situation. We’ll help you stay leak-free once the moisture returns. Whenever that may be.

Flood Season Preparation

/in , , /by

With the rain and storm season upon us, it’s time to start thinking about the potential of water and flood damage to your home. The months of May and June are historically the wettest in Kansas and Missouri and provide the most likely conditions for floods and high water levels. No one will forget the historic floods of 2011, and while it’s unlikely that we will experience that kind of condition two years in a row, it’s always good to be prepared.

One of the most basic ways you can prepare your home for the rainy season is by installing a quality sump pump in your basement. Sump pumps remove groundwater from in and around your house and are ideal for areas like the Midwest that can experience high amounts of rain in a short period of time. Sump pumps are also great for homes located in low-lying areas that have greater potential for water accumulation.

A quality sump pump can save you thousands of dollars in flood damage and provide everyday protection from accumulated groundwater and excess moisture. And because flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United State, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Should your home already have a sump pump, now is a great time to check its condition. Make sure that it is working properly now so that when the rain comes you won’t find out the hard way that was in need of repair. And because sump pumps are hard-working machines, we recommend replacing them every five years. Be sure to check the date your sump pump was installed and consider upgrading your equipment if necessary.

Take our advice and don’t put this on the backburner. Before the storms of spring leave you standing in a basement full of water, protect your home with a quality sump pump from your friends at Gordon Energy & Drainage—the top sump pump installation company in Kansas City!

 

French Drains 101

/in , /by

Let us stop you before you start. A French drain has nothing to do with the Eiffel Tower, greasy fries or berets. It does, however, have everything to do with the drainage of your yard.

Often, home owners will have uneven surfaces in their yard or property. After a large rainfall, the lower-lying areas of the lawn can hold standing water for many days. In order to alleviate the problem, a “sponge” must be created in order to absorb the water and allow the area to dry.

This sponge is what we call a French drain. Named after lawyer and former Assistant U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry F. French (1813-1885), who made them popular in his book Farm Drainage, these drains are actually trenches filled with perforated drain tile and gravel that redirect surface and groundwater away from an area. The idea is to transfer the water to a different place in your yard that has a proper slope, thus creating even distribution, and they do wonders in alleviating the possibility of water damage to your home or property.

This spring, as the rains come and the waters rise, be on the lookout for areas of standing water around your home or business. With the number of solutions today, including the marvelous French drains, there’s no reason to risk property damage. Call Gordon Energy & Drainage today and let us come take a look. Whether we install a French drain or employ another solution, we guarantee to give you the results you need with the service you can trust!