plants,gutter,rain barel stop flooding (roof, drains, color, install)

[escho27]

I don't have a gutter system in my house, not many houses in my neighborhood to but I wanted to know what I can do to stop the front part of my house from flooding like rocks maybe which I see a lot of my neighbors have, or could I do like the combination of red rocks and red mulch. As you can see I'm confused so any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Skywings]

Do you mean that the runoff from your roof every time it rains, washes away the dirt from around your house foundation? Or just sits there in puddles around your house? Either way is bad news for your foundation.

If you don't want to install gutters, you could have French drains put along the base of your house, but honestly that will probably cost as much or more as having gutters put up.

You could minimize the splashup of dirt from the runoff by first clearing out the area, then regrading it so that the surface slopes downward, away from the house instead of being flat; then cover the whole area with a weed barrier fabric, and then on top of that put a few inches of bluestone, gravel, or something like Timberlite. Be aware that "red" bluestones have been dyed and with constant exposure to water the surface dye will wash off. So if it goes with your house color you're better off with natural bluestone chips. If you need something brown or reddish, Timberlite is a natural volcanic rock in a mix of cream, red, brown and black. Do not bother using wood mulch because it will just break down into mush and/or wash away. Something larger and heavy enough to stay put is your best bet.

A rain barrel would need to have a downspout leading into it, which would need a gutter.... IMO gutters are the most practical solution to the problem.

[Cosmic]

If you don't have gutter systems and are getting flooding, then as mentioned got to have a drain system installed to collect the water once it gets to the ground.

Complicated subject but basically it is pref drain pipe laid in usually a gravel bed with a barrier under it. You have to get the water away from the house a decent distance and not allow it to soak into the ground. The first requirement if you are having any type of flooding problems.

They do make an edging type system that takes rain off the roof and changes its characteristics so it comes down more like a spray but if it soaks in, probably same problem.

If you want to collect rain water as in a rain barrel then the best way is via a gutter system. Say to water plants or use as a water source.

If you want the house to look good, as with mulch, gravel cover that is a separate subject.

Figure out what the real problem is and then start there.

[GregW]

Either collect the water with a gutter system or direct it away from the house with a combination of surface and/or undergroung drains. In any case stop the ponding/flooding that is already happening.