Downspout Extensions & Exterior Drainage
Many wet basements start outside the house. If roof water runs toward your foundation instead of away from it, the soil next to the wall stays saturated. Often the fix is simple. Finney's Waterproofing installs Schedule 40 PVC gutter and downspout extensions and regrades soil so water moves away from your home.
Our lead work is interior basement systems and crawl space encapsulation — outside drainage is often the first, cheapest check before bigger work.
Downspout & Gutter Extensions
Extensions carry roof runoff well away from the house. As a rule of thumb, discharge several feet away from the foundation, onto ground that slopes away so the water has somewhere to go. We use Schedule 40 PVC. We'll look at where your downspouts empty now and recommend what makes sense for your yard.
Grading Along the Foundation
Soil should slope away from the house. Low spots against the wall collect water. We'll point out grading issues on a free inspection and fix what's straightforward.
When the Water Is Already Inside
If water is already getting into the basement, outside drainage is often only part of the answer. We also install interior drainage routed to a sump pump — our main basement waterproofing work. See Basement Waterproofing and Sump Pumps.
Drainage FAQ
How far should a downspout extend from the foundation?
Usually at least 4 to 6 feet, as long as it carries water to ground that slopes away. Farther is better where the soil is flat or saturated.
Will extending my downspouts fix my wet basement?
Sometimes it makes a big difference. Sometimes it's one of several causes. We'll tell you honestly.
Do you dig out the whole exterior foundation?
Full exterior dig-to-footing waterproofing is something we discuss case by case — our primary systems are interior. Ask us on the free inspection what's right for your house.
Is the inspection free?
Yes. Free inspections and estimates, and we'll give you a straight answer on what's needed.
Why Homeowners Call Finney's
• Licensed and insured (#252500124)
• Serving West Michigan since 2023
• 15 to 25 year transferable warranty. The details depend on the work. We'll go over them with you at your free estimate.
• Free inspections and estimates
• Fair pricing with integrity and attention to detail on every project
We do the work ourselves, in-house. Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm, and we're closed on holidays. You can also email us at finneyswaterproofing@gmail.com.
Call or Request a Free Estimate
Call 231-531-2905 or request a free estimate.
