Those persistent puddles around your Lewisham property aren't just annoying - they're undermining your foundations. French drains redirect water where it belongs, protecting everything from Victorian basements to modern patios.
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SE13's mix of clay soil and sloping terrain creates unique drainage challenges. Water naturally pools against house walls, especially where older properties meet newer extensions. French drains act as hidden channels, capturing surface water before it causes damage. Many Lewisham homes suffer silently with damp issues that proper drainage would prevent entirely.
Installation involves trenching, laying perforated pipes wrapped in geotextile, then backfilling with gravel. Depth varies - shallow systems handle surface water whilst deeper installations tackle groundwater. Correct gradient calculations ensure water flows away efficiently. The finished system remains invisible beneath lawns or driveways, working continuously without maintenance.
Local knowledge matters when dealing with Lewisham's varied topography. Years spent working between Catford's suburban streets and Blackheath's period properties means understanding exactly where water wants to go - and where it shouldn't.




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Basic garden drainage starts around £1,200-£1,800 for smaller Lewisham terraces. Comprehensive systems protecting house perimeters range £3,500-£6,000 depending on property size and complexity.
Absolutely - from Deptford's converted warehouses to SE13's residential streets. Regular projects include Victorian conversions near Lewisham station and family homes towards Catford.
Most residential French drain installations complete within 3-5 days. Larger properties or complex systems occasionally need a week, weather permitting.
Each installation carries decade-long protection against defects. This covers pipe integrity, gradient accuracy, and drainage effectiveness - essentially everything except accidental damage.
Often yes - exterior French drains intercept water before it reaches foundations. Combined with proper grading, they significantly reduce hydrostatic pressure against basement walls, though severe cases might need additional waterproofing measures.
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