Why Drainage Is the Foundation's Biggest Threat
Over 85% of foundation problems in Montgomery trace back to water. Montgomery averages 56 inches of rain per year — more than Seattle — and the red clay soil retains that moisture, building hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls and creating saturation zones under slabs. Correcting only the structural damage without fixing the underlying drainage problem means the damage returns.
Drainage Solutions We Install
Exterior French drains — perforated pipe in a gravel trench — intercept surface and subsurface water before it reaches the foundation. Interior perimeter drain systems channel water that enters through the foundation to a sump pump before it can wet the interior. Downspout extensions and grading corrections address the most common single cause of foundation water: roof runoff discharging directly at the foundation. We design the appropriate combination for each property's specific site conditions.
Sump Pump Installation and Service
A properly sized sump pump is the active component of any interior waterproofing system. We install primary pumps with battery-operated backup pumps — in Alabama, power outages and flooding events often coincide, and a pump that stops when the power goes out defeats the purpose. We size pumps correctly for the volume of water the system is designed to handle and install discharge lines that route water well away from the foundation.
Drainage Solution Cost in Montgomery
A standard exterior French drain installation for a residential perimeter or problem area runs $1,500–$3,500. Interior drain systems with sump pump run $3,000–$6,000 for a full basement perimeter. Combined exterior drainage correction and interior system runs $5,000–$10,000. Simple grading corrections and downspout extensions run $500–$1,500. We provide detailed written proposals after site assessment.