Drainage issues can arise due to flawed design, or improper construction and grading.  When drainage issues are present, flooding occurs in the parking lots, sidewalks, community parks, or yards.

There are several issues that can arise from inadequate drainage.  First, water can drain towards your home or building, instead of away from it, creating potential for moisture to enter your home.  Second, if water is not draining effectively, it can “pond.”  When water ponds in a yard or common area park, it can cause the area to be unusable for recreation.  If the area is designated as a retention basin and the water remains too long (more than 48 hours) it is a code violation in addition to creating a health concern (mosquitoes, West Nile virus, and other health and safety issues).  When water ponds on cement or asphalt it adds stress to that surface, causing it to crack, sink, or prematurely deteriorate.  Improper drainage on cement and asphalt can dramatically increase the cost to properly maintain parking lots, sidewalks, and common area surfaces.

Potential Drainage Defects 

  • Soil settlement
  • Concrete flat-work movement and distress
  • Asphalt pavement movement and distress
  • Building foundation movement and distress
  • Water intrusion into buildings through thresholds, basement window wells, or basement walls
  • Mold, fungus and dry rot
  • Corrosion of metal construction materials such as foundation cables, anchor bolts and structural steel

Construction Defect Law