Downspout extensions and French drains both protect Broken Arrow foundations, but serve different roles. Downspout extensions handle roof runoff, channeling water at least five feet away from footings via above-ground pipes or buried pop-up emitters. They’re easy to install and cost-effective for handling clearwater. French drains, in contrast, intercept subsurface water by corrugated or perforated pipe laid in gravel-filled trenches around the foundation. They manage groundwater that seeps through soil, preventing hydrostatic buildup against basement walls. For complete protection, most Broken Arrow foundation repair experts recommend combining both systems: extensions to disperse surface water, and French drains to relieve subsurface moisture pressures in clay-rich soils.
