Defect type
High · 2–4/5
Stormwater Drainage Directed Towards Building
Site grading or paving directing stormwater runoff towards the building foundation rather than away from it. Causes subfloor moisture accumulation, rising damp, and potential foundation movement on reactive soils.
Causes
- Incorrect site grading or landscaping
- Raised garden beds against external walls
- Blocked or inadequate stormwater drainage system
Symptoms to look for
- Water pooling against external walls after rain
- Damp or wet subfloor area
- Efflorescence or salt attack on lower masonry courses
Remedies
- Regrade site to fall away from building at minimum 1:60
- Install agricultural drain around building perimeter
- Lower garden beds below DPC level
Critical
Get an inspector through this property.
Findings in this category skew high severity. If you are under contract, we can usually book inside the cooling-off window. Every inspection includes 12 months of free advice.
Same category