#AtoZChallenge – Z is for Zones of Drainage

Water flows downhill. An effective strategy for drainage problems is to create zones of drainage, that is, creates a path of least resistance to control or move water away from undesired locations.

Considering surface runoff is the most common drainage problem, adjusting the grade is a recommended drainage solution. Integrity Drainage Solutions are experts at creating effective zones of drainage.

Ensuring a positive pitch for water flow away from your home is vital. Prevent pooling by directing the water off the property (a natural breeding ground for mosquitoes).

A drain tile system or a catch basin (yard drain) can be excellent approaches to supplement the benefits of proper grading. A 4" perforated drain tile back-filled with limestone chips will absorb seepage (underground water) under the center of a swale or other appropriate areas. Considering these pipes may freeze in a typical Wisconsin winter, they should be used as a secondary drainage solution.

Proven Integrity Solutions:

• Precise Grading
• Gradual & Efficient Swales
• Properly Designed Retaining Wall
• Drain Tile (a.k.a. French Drain)
• Catch Basins (or Yard Drains)
• Buried Downspout Extensions
• EPDM Membrane
• Erosion Control

#AtoZChallenge – Y is for Yard Drains

During a heavy rain, water will attempt to seep into your home's foundation, or may simply flood your backyard or basement. Usually it's an improperly pitched property provides a direct path for water to move toward a home. That single issue can cause flooding or wet walls, often leading to mold inside the home.

By properly adjusting your property’s grade Integrity Drainage Solutions is able to redirect water away from a home and off your property. Installing a yard drain or 'French Drain' (a.k.a. drain tile) will add to the benefits of property grading.

The systems used by Integrity Drainage Solutions simply help move water away from your home and property using a precise and technical approach. Most homes do not need extensive waterproofing or foundation repair that others often suggest. Our customers appreciate that our projects are typically completed in just one day and does not involve the need for interior intrusion or lengthy restoration.

#AtoZChallenge – X is for X Factor

Let Integrity prove we have the X Factor that distinguishes our work from what you'll get from your well-intentioned uncle:

• We're Better Business Bureau accredited;
• We're part of the same company that has earned three Angie's list Service Awards running;
• We offer a free consultation and proposal to address your concerns.

We are proud of our mission statement and live it in our daily work:

To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using a precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.

Talk to us about avoiding the drainage problems that beset 60% of all homeowners. Drainage issues don't go away on their own, and will continue to worsen as water settles in your lawn, patio, driveway, or foundation--and will cause preventable damage and expense.

In the words of one of our satisfied customers:

I had your company do some grading and drainage work to prevent getting water into my basement. Everyone we worked with was so nice and a real joy to work with. Since having the work done, we have not had any more water in our basement. We would definitely recommend your services!
-Robert W., New Berlin

#AtoZChallenge – W is for Walls Retaining

Walls that retain earth and look good doing it: Retaining walls are constructed features designed to restrain soil to unnatural slopes. They situate soils between two different elevations, often in areas of terrain with undesirable slopes or in areas where the landscape needs to be shaped for design considerations. Our experienced designers & installers will engineer your retaining wall system with superior construction, stability, durability, and strength.

Through the installation of a proper, compacted base we ensure the quality of the foundation of your new investment. In addition, by installing a proper drainage system behind all applicable walls, we can reduce the hydrostatic pressure and increase the longevity of your new retaining wall.

By offering quality materials such as Unilock, Keystone, Fieldstone, or Lannonstone, we will provide you with a variety of options to meet your budget so you can enjoy the beauty for years to come.

We offer a wide selection of Keystone products, such as Country Manor or Stonegate, in a variety of colors and the straight-face and sculptured-face units in either gray or light brown. Steps can be added for increased accessibility and decorative pillars can be added for an upscale appearance.

#AtoZChallenge – V is for Vendor

Finding a trustworthy vendor for drainage solutions can be a challenge. Unfortunately, there are many contractors that knowingly or unknowingly misinform you, the homeowner. They provide inaccurate information and improper advice about exterior water problems.

Plus, many other vendors are sadly not experienced in the technical necessities required to design and implement an efficient exterior drainage system.

Luckily you can trust and depend on Integrity Drainage Solutions LLC. Our mission is: “To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using a precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.”

Integrity Drainage Solutions LLC is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. You are assured that you will be working with a reputable company that strongly values customer satisfaction. After meeting with one of our drainage technicians and receiving our free proposal, you should feel comfortable and confident selecting the right option for you and your family.

The systems used by Integrity Drainage Solutions simply help move water away from your home or area of concern using a precise and technical approach. Most homes do not need extensive waterproofing or foundation repair that other, less-reputable vendors often suggest.

Our customers appreciate that our projects are typically completed in just one day and do not involve the need for interior intrusion or lengthy restoration.

#AtoZChallenge – U is for Under Deck Drainage

For the do-it-yourselfer, it can be extremely frustrating to finish construction on a new deck, only to realize later on that the deck drainage system is insufficient to properly control rain flow. Drains are an important element of deck design and construction, and under-deck drainage is critical in keeping the surface dry and free of water damage. The experts at Integrity Landscape and Integrity Exterior Drainage Solutions work together to ensure proper drainage of any landscape work installed by Integrity.

Instead of this:

You can have this:

#AtoZChallenge - T is for Toxic Mold

Toxic mold can be the terrible result from ongoing unresolved drainage issues. Here are some key warning signs that you have toxic mold challenges:

1. Unexplained allergic reactions. Sneezing, sore eyes, runny nose, and nasal congestion are common reactions to mold in your house.
2. Smell of mold. That musky, moldy smell is a sure sign, don’t ignore it.
3. Visible signs of mold growth. It might look like soot or dirt, but closer inspection may reveal it is mold.
4. Past water damage. If you have had exterior drainage problems that led to water in your basement, you probably have mold from that water seepage.
5. Water leaks. If you have water trickling down from your basement windows or dribbling down a basement wall, you more than likely also have mold growing in your basement.
6. Past Flooding. If your basement ever flooded, you probably have mold growing somewhere in your basement.

Toxic mold symptoms include headaches, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, memory loss, and dizziness. If you are experiencing such symptoms, see a doctor. And contact Intergrity Drainage Solutions to solve your exterior water drainage problem, and to help clean up your toxic mold problem.

#AtoZChallenge – S is for Standing Water

Standing water after heavy rains like we have experienced this April can turn your lawn and yard into a lake! Eliminating standing water in your yard is important. Standing water inhibits the use of your yard and creates the perfect environment for mold, mosquitoes, and other pests.

The Integrity Drainage solution team will custom-design an affordable solution to reroute water so it flows where you want it to flow… and eliminate your regular lake after every heavy rain.

Our customers agree:
"Great job! Efficient, cleaned up and very polite. You met my needs to get rid of my water problem."
Pam B.
Franklin, WI

#AtoZChallenge - R is for Rain Inspection

After heavy rains it is vital that you inspect your basement and your exterior property for exterior drainage issues. Is there dribbling water down your basement walls or by your basement windows? Do you have mini-ponds of standing water for days after a heavy rain? Does the water seem to be draining toward your home, not away from it?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, we suggest you call Integrity Drainage Solutions today to arrange a free consultation.

Did you know exterior drainage problems affect 60% of all homeowners. Drainage problems may be seasonal or develop over time. Typically, homeowners can go for years before they even realize they have a persistent problem. These drainage issues will continue to worsen as water settles property features such as lawn areas, patios, driveways, and foundations--often causing a preventable damage and expense.

After a heavy rain, inspect your home and property for any of these signs of water damage:

• Mold buildup,
• standing water ponding,
• mushy lawn areas,
• foundation issues,
• damp walls,
• water on basement floor.

#AtoZChallenge – Q is for Quagmire

Standing water after heavy rains like we have experienced this April can turn your lawn and yard into a quagmire! Eliminating standing water in your yard is important. Standing water inhibits the use of your yard and creates the perfect environment for mold, mosquitoes, and other pests.

The Integrity Drainage solution team will custom-design an affordable solution to reroute water so it flows where you want it to flow… and eliminate your regular quagmire after every heavy rain.

Just listen to what our satisfied customers have to say about how effective our work is:

"We can see a definite difference in the area you performed work. We no longer have standing water. We appreciated the personal attention this project received from owner David Hintzman as well as the work performed by the people who were on-site for the project. When we did have a concern, your organization was courteous and prompt in coming out and addressing it. We are happy with our decision to choose Integrity to perform the work on our property and thank you again for working with us to resolve our water issues." -- Richard B., Menomonee Falls, WI

#AtoZChallenge – Positive Pitch Away

If you are experiencing standing water or basement wall drips or puddles after all this rain, stay positive by going positive: turn to the experts at Integrity Drainage Solutions to create a positive pitch away from you home.

During a heavy rain, water provides unwanted hydrostatic pressure to a home's foundation or may flood a backyard or basement. Improperly pitched property provides a direct path for water to move toward a home. This causes wet walls or flooding, often leading to mold inside the home.

By adjusting the grade to a positive pitch away, Integrity Drainage Experts redirect water away from your home and off the property. Installing a yard drain or 'French Drain' (a.k.a. drain tile) will add to the benefits of property grading.

The systems used by Integrity Drainage Solutions move water away from your home or area of concern using a precise and technical approach. Most homes do not need extensive waterproofing or foundation repair that others often suggest. Call today for a free consultation. And don’t forget to ask about the April discount!

#AtoZChallenge – O is for Offer

To celebrate our participation the worldwide A-Z blogging challenge in April, we want to extend an offer to any viewers. If you live in our geographic business area of Southeastern Wisconsin, mention your saw this O blog post and we will offer you a free consultation--plus a $50.00 discount off any drainage project.

Proven Integrity Solutions:

• Precise Grading
• Gradual & Efficient Swales
• Properly Designed Retaining Wall
• Drain Tile (a.k.a. French Drain)   
• Catch Basins (or Yard Drains)
• Buried Downspout Extensions
• EPDM Membrane
• Erosion Control

#AtoZChallenge – N is for Negative Pitch

Negative pitch creates an undesirable situation for you, the homeowner. Whenever it rains or when snow melts, the water flows toward your house and seeps into your foundation. Water always flows downhill, so the simple and effective solution is to change the direction of the flow away from your house.

Adjusting the grade so the negative pitch toward your home becomes a positive pitch, with water flowing away from your home, is often the best and most cost-effective solution. Combine grade adjustments with a drainage tile system and you will have functional drainage solutions for years and years.

#AtoZChallenge – M is for Mushy Lawn

Standing water creates a mushy lawn. A mushy lawn means you have exterior drainage issues that will continue to worsen with time. Eliminating standing water in your yard is important. Standing water inhibits your enjoyment of your yard and creates the perfect environment for mold, mosquitoes, and other pests.

The best solution for a mushy lawn is to change the grade of water drainage. Introducing a negative grade will direct standing water away from your property and guide it to flow where you want it to flow.

#AtoZChallenge L is for Laser Transit Accuracy

The key to an effective and affordable drainage solution is to create a negative grade or pitch so water will naturally drain away from your home. We achieve this with great accuracy by employing a laser transit for accuracy.

A laser transit is a tool which offers solid-line laser mounted in a set location. The laser used by these devices is visible in the air, which makes for easy tracking. These devices are used in surveying and construction to create an easily-identifiable, but non-permanent, line. The laser transit was first used as a surveying tool—it was mounted onto a standard survey scope to provide a visual indication of the scope’s tracked line. This tool has since branched into other applications, such as construction and home repair, where it is commonly called a laser-line level.

Transits are common in many fields of science and engineering. Each of these devices has specific functions, but they all have one thing in common. Transits allow measurement or observation of very specific slices or areas of space.

#AtoZ Challenge – K is for Kerb

We usually think of the kerb as something we trip on crossing the street when we’re not paying attention. But a kerb added to your paved stone driveway or pathway adds a serious touch of elegance to your stately manor. It's also another great way to divert and direct water on your property.

A kerb is also functional as it prevents careless drives from easily rolling up onto your lawn or flowers.

#AtoZChallenge – J is for Jolt

The jolt you want to avoid is the shock of learning you have a major, pending bill from unattended drainage issues you could have fixed a couple years earlier for a fraction of the cost!

If you see standing water puddles around your home, moisture condensation or small water leaks on your basement wall, or small amounts of mold around basement windows or walls, you might very well have a correctable exterior drainage problem.

Drainage problems can be seasonal and develop over time. Drainage issues get worse over time. Why not call for a free consultation from the affordable experts at Integrity Drainage Solutions?

#AtoZChallenge – I is for Installation of Drainage Tiles

Installation of drainage tiles (also known as a French Drain) effectively supplements the benefits of proper grading. A 4” perforated drain tile backfilled with limestone chips will absorb seepage (underground water) under the center of a swale or other areas of potential water pooling.

The experienced and efficient workers for Integrity Drainage Solutions will excavate a footer (a trench about 6-8 inches deep), then lay a 4” diameter perforated pipe, after the drainage tile is installed. Backfill with limestone chips or washed gravel. Top it all off with displaced earth.

Part of the solution: Drainage tile systems are only about 6 inches beneath the ground. These pipes can freeze during a typical Wisconsin Winter. The system should be the augmenting part of your solution, not the primary solution.

#AtoZ Challenge – H is for Hidden Drainage Problems

Lurking unseen in, around, or beneath your home could be hidden drainage problems. Seemingly benign issues such as gutters not draining, seepage from flower beds, negative drainage toward the house, lack of weather proofing on the exterior, and small, lingering puddles can be the harbinger for burgeoning drainage problems. If you can’t see the damage right away, a slow flow of water can often be worse than obvious leaks, if left untreated.

You don’t want to run into this:

Contact Integrity Drainage Solutions today if you suspect you have early-stage or hidden drainage problems. We can inspect your home and property and make recommendations for cost-effective solutions.

#AtoZ Challenge – G is for Grading

Did you know that you may solve potential foundation issues with grading, or changing the pitch of the land near your home? Usually an improperly pitched property provides a direct path for water to move toward a home. This can cause flooding or wet walls, often leading to mold inside the home.

By adjusting the grade to a negative pitch, Integrity Drainage Solutions can redirect water away from your home and off the property. Installing a yard drain or "French Drain" (a.k.a. drain tile) will add to the benefits of property grading.

Surface runoff is the most common drainage problem faced by most homeowners. Adjusting the grade is often the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

The systems used by Integrity Drainage Solutions simply help move water away from your home or area of concern using a precise and technical approach. Most homes do not need extensive waterproofing or foundation repair that inexperience or unethical contractors often suggest.
Call 1-866-4-NoWater (866-466-9283) for a free consultation.

#AtoZ Challenge – F is for Foundation Issues

Improper drainage leads to gradual foundation damage. You can go for years and barely notice a problem. Then you reach a tipping point, and foundation damage can become a costly nightmare.

Foundation drainage problems can result from too much moisture as well as too little. Standing water around your home, large amounts of water dumped by gutter downspouts, or a negative slope of the area around your home can cause saturated soil, which seeps into and eventually erodes your foundation.

Do you see excessive puddling or ponding around your home after a heavy rain? Do your basement walls dribble water? Do you have small yet slowly growing cracks in your basement walls? All of the above questions are warning signs for foundation issues.

Call Integrity Drainage Solutions today for a free consultation so you avoid the nightmare of the picture below:

#AtoZ Challenge – E is for Exterior Drainage

At Integrity Drainage Solutions, we follow a simple, effective philosophy for exterior drainage: Water flows downhill. We create a path of least resistance to control or move water away from its undesired location nearer the exterior of your home.

We use a precise and technical approach. For example, surface runoff, a common drainage problem, can be effectively resolved by adjusting the grade of your land so the water flows downhill and your exterior drainage is directed away from your structures. We design efficient exterior drainage solutions to cost effectively meet your needs and create the correct pitch away from your home. Call for a free consultation today.

#AtoZ Challenge – D is for Drainage Solutions

Drainage solutions from Integrity solve everything from minor, nagging, standing-water issues to major drainage problems. We offer experience and cost-effective results as your exterior drainage specialists.

Our Mission Statement: “To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using a precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.”

A testimonial from Robert W. of New Berlin, WI shows how we're living up to our mission: “I had your company do some grading and drainage work to prevent water from getting into my basement. Everyone we worked with was so nice and a real joy to work with. Since having the work done, we have not had any more water in our basement. We would definitely recommend your services!”

#AtoZ Challenge – C is for Carved Gully Erosion

Carved gully erosion results from perpetual water drainage issues that send the flowing water in the same, undesired direction. Integrity Drainage Solutions can implement a grading solution that eliminates the gully-causing flow, and sends water in a direction most beneficial for your property.

It can take as little as a day's work to resolve your drainage issues by strategically regrading and landscaping. Don't let your land wash away this way.

#AtoZ Challenge – B is for Basements

Your basement can become a money-pit nightmare if you ignore the early warning signs of incipient drainage problems. Do you see wetness or sweating on your basement walls? Do you see minor water damage issues around your basement windows? Do you see small patches of mold growing? Do you ever see puddles in your basement after a rainfall? Call Integrity Drainage Solutions today for a free evaluation. Before your basement becomes a real problem.

A is for Avoidable Damage, Plus a Bonus A

Welcome to Integrity Drainage Solutions’ first year of participating in the worldwide A to Z Blogging Challenge!

Bloggers around the world are posting a topic each day with the next sequential letter of the alphabet: today’s blog post is about a topic that begins with the letter “A.” April 2 is “B,” April 3 is “C,” and so on. No posts on Sundays, and we finish with Z on April 30. This will be quite a challenge but we intend to have fun and we hope entertain and inform you about the many possibilities and options in Drainage Solutions.

A is for Avoidable Damage

Have you noticed standing water near your house? Puddles that never seem to dry up? Noticed wet or weeping walls in your basement? These are early signs of drainage problems and are avoidable damage. 

Standing water often times seeps into your foundation. Wet or weeping walls are further proof of damage to your basement walls. Water always finds a path. You certainly want to avoid the situation in the picture below.

Integrity Drainage Solutions can effectively and affordable eliminate water problems that can severely damage your home and cost you a lot of money to fix. Call us today for a free estimate to eliminate Avoidable Damage once and for all.

Bonus A: ARLEE BIRD! Special thanks to the A to Z Blog Challenger Creator Arlee Bird. This is a wonderful phenomenon. We are happy to participate and want to thank you for the time and effort to make this worldwide Blogger initiative a reality. Keep up the good work, Arlee!