Is Your Home's Grading Causing Basement Water Problems?

A dry basement starts here. Learn about how grading and drainage around your foundation play a part.

Your home is your castle, and its foundation is the cornerstone of its strength. Without a solid foundation, the entire structure is at risk. One of the most overlooked threats to your foundation is poor grading around your property. Improper slopes and drainage can lead to water infiltration, basement leaks, and costly damage.

Let’s explore why grading matters and how you can protect your biggest investment: your home.

The Role of Grading in Foundation Health

Grading, or the slope of the ground around your home, acts as a first line of defense against water intrusion. When done right, it directs water away from your home, keeping your basement dry and your foundation strong.

But when grading is poor, water pools near the base of your house, leading to serious issues like bowing walls due to hydrostatic pressure and seepage that causes water damage.

Common Grading Problems (and Solutions!)

1. Negative Grading

Negative grading occurs when the ground around your home slopes toward the foundation rather than away from it. This creates a direct path for water to flow to the base of your house, increasing hydrostatic pressure and the likelihood of water seeping through cracks or porous walls.

Over time, this can lead to cracking and structural damage. To combat this, add soil around your home so it slopes away from the foundation at a rate of one inch per foot for the first 5-10 feet.

2. Settling Soil

Over time, the soil around your foundation naturally settles, particularly after new construction or significant landscaping changes. This settling creates low spots where water collects, putting undue pressure on your foundation and increasing the risk of seepage into your basement.

To prevent this, periodically add and compact soil in these areas to restore the proper slope and prevent future leakage.

3. Clogged Gutters or Bad Downspout Position

Without properly functioning gutters and downspouts, water from your roof can pour directly around your foundation. This oversaturation can weaken the soil and lead to leaks or even basement flooding.

Ensure that gutters are clean and functional, and extend downspouts at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation to keep water safely at bay.

4. Uneven Concrete

Patios, driveways, and walkways that have settled and slope toward your home can funnel water directly to your foundation, increasing the risk of leaks or structural damage.

Lifting these surfaces up to an even position can help direct water away from the house. Concrete leveling is a straightforward fix that can save you from costly foundation repairs.

5. Landscaping Issues

Decorative landscaping features such as flower beds or shrubs can inadvertently trap water near your foundation if they block proper drainage.

Excessive moisture from poorly placed mulch or water-intensive plants can also contribute to water infiltration. To address this, avoid planting water-hungry vegetation too close to the foundation.

DIY or Call a Pro?

The cost of correcting grading issues pales in comparison to the expense of repairing foundation damage or mitigating basement flooding. It’s part of preventative home maintenance – like getting an oil change to avoid an engine failure.

Some grading fixes are simple enough for a weekend warrior, like adding additional soil around the foundation to build up the slope. However, if water has already compromised your foundation or basement, it’s time to call in the professionals. Experts can analyze your property and implement drainage solutions tailored to your home’s needs.

Defend Your Home from Water Damage

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Protecting it starts from the ground up – literally. By prioritizing proper grading and drainage, you can safeguard your foundation, keep your basement dry, and avoid costly repairs down the line.

If you’re dealing with concrete that slopes toward your foundation, professional concrete lifting could be the solution you need to correct the issue and prevent water damage. At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we offer expert concrete lifting services, and some of our locations also provide foundation repair and drainage services.

Request a free estimate with a member of the A-1 team near you to learn more about your options!