Foundations and drainage
How grading, gutters, groundwater and below-grade materials affect foundations, basements and crawlspaces.
Learn the concept, then apply the field method.
The collection alternates between building-science explanation and bounded homeowner observation. It does not turn one clue into a diagnosis.
Grading and surface runoff: what it means in a house
Small changes in ground slope can repeatedly direct roof and surface water toward a foundation.
Continue →FIELD METHOD · 1 MINGrading and surface runoff: an evidence-first field method
A practical method for observing, comparing and documenting grading and surface runoff without turning one clue into a diagnosis.
Continue →CONCEPT GUIDE · 1 MINDownspout discharge distance: what it means in a house
A functioning gutter can still overload the foundation if the downspout releases water too close to the wall.
Continue →FIELD METHOD · 1 MINDownspout discharge distance: an evidence-first field method
A practical method for observing, comparing and documenting downspout discharge distance without turning one clue into a diagnosis.
Continue →CONCEPT GUIDE · 1 MINHydrostatic pressure at basement walls: what it means in a house
Saturated soil can apply water pressure to below-grade walls and floors, forcing water through defects or joints.
Continue →FIELD METHOD · 1 MINHydrostatic pressure at basement walls: an evidence-first field method
A practical method for observing, comparing and documenting hydrostatic pressure at basement walls without turning one clue into a diagnosis.
Continue →CONCEPT GUIDE · 1 MINCrawlspace ground moisture: what it means in a house
Exposed soil can supply large amounts of water vapor even when no standing water is visible.
Continue →FIELD METHOD · 1 MINCrawlspace ground moisture: an evidence-first field method
A practical method for observing, comparing and documenting crawlspace ground moisture without turning one clue into a diagnosis.
Continue →CONCEPT GUIDE · 1 MINSlab moisture and floor finishes: what it means in a house
Moisture moving through or around a concrete slab can damage low-permeance flooring and adhesives.
Continue →FIELD METHOD · 1 MINSlab moisture and floor finishes: an evidence-first field method
A practical method for observing, comparing and documenting slab moisture and floor finishes without turning one clue into a diagnosis.
Continue →CONCEPT GUIDE · 1 MINEfflorescence as a moisture clue: what it means in a house
White crystalline deposits show that water dissolved salts and evaporated, but they do not identify the exact source or current wetness.
Continue →FIELD METHOD · 1 MINEfflorescence as a moisture clue: an evidence-first field method
A practical method for observing, comparing and documenting efflorescence as a moisture clue without turning one clue into a diagnosis.
Continue →Use the cluster to ask better questions.
House symptoms often cross systems. Keep competing explanations visible, preserve the baseline and stop where access, electricity, combustion, structure, contamination or hazardous materials create a professional boundary.
