Minuteman Brochure

There is a brochure out there that has been nicknamed "The Minuteman Brochure". This 6 panel educational piece details how the "french drain got its name". The french drain got its name from a man named Henry Flagg French, a judge and farmer who lived in Concord Massachusetts in the late 1860's.

While it is true that the principles of the "french drain" have been used for centuries, it was named after Henry French. Henry did travel overseas and studied drainage in Europe. In 1859 he wrote a book entitled Farm Drainage. In that book he showed how drainage techniques needed to be different in (New England) America than in England. He said the average rainfall in England was around 24 inches while in New England they got on average - 42 inches. He clearly show the America farmer that we needed to drain our farm land different than farmers in England.

In that book back in 1859, Henry wrote a chapter devoted to "cellar drainage". Recently there has been alot of discussion on the HGTV Pro forums regarding exterior versus interior drainage (especially from a so called "know it all arrogant, self proclaimed liscensed waterproofer"). He is always trying to convince everyone that he knows best and that a "french drain should be on the exterior.

I have not gotten into it with him as of yet, but someone should tell him that the original "cellar drainage" or french drain was recommedned on the inside. (See Farm Drainage 1859 chapter on Cellar Drainage)

While I understand why some may feel that a drainage system should be done on the outside only, I must respectfully disagree. An exterior system has a major downfall - It will eventually fail and when it does, it will not be able to be maintained, it must be re dug up and replaced.

While I agree in new construction, it makes sense to install an exterior french drain along the footer, but I also recommend installing a closed drainage system like the GrateDrain on the interior. (see http://www.gratedrain.blogspot.com/) I agree that open drainage systems in the basement are not the right thing to do, especially with how the basement is being used in the 21 st century.
I understand why "liscense waterproofer" doesn't like interior systems but that is only because of radon, ground humidity, and bugs can come in thru an open channeled system. With a closed interior system all these things are dealt with. Bottom line is this - a closed GrateDrain system CAN be maintained without having to dig up the homeowner lawn and outdoor decks, etc. An exterior system will eventually clog and when it does it CANNOT be maintained.

For more information email me (stevea@grateproducts.com your mailing address and I will send you one of my "Minuteman Brochure". Just mention you want one of the Minuteman Brochures. It will be sent absolutely free.