Check Your Neighbor's Runoff
by Bob Formisano is an architect and builder who has managed commercial and residential projects over a 30-plus year career.
Cause
Another common source of problems, especially with small lots where the houses are close together, is water being directed toward your house from a neighbor's property. This often results from poor landscape grading on the neighbor's property or a roofline, roof gutter system, or downspout extension that directs water toward your home. It's also fairly common for new construction on a neighboring property to cause water problems for adjoining homes because it changes the way the water had been draining.
Solution
Most neighbors will take measures to correct the problem if you diplomatically draw attention to the issue. If reluctant, they also can be legally compelled to fix the problem if they are in violation of area codes.
One solution for water runoff problems is called a French Drain System. This is a landscape project in which a gravel-filled trench helps to direct water in the direction you want. When combined with landscape grading that directs water away from the foundation and toward the French drain, it is a very effective method. A French drain system installed on the property line between two closely adjoined houses can help relieve water problems for both homes. Friendly neighbors might even be willing to share the cost of installing such a system.
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