When a house is constructed, builders excavate a hole that is slightly larger than the finished foundation. This extra space ensures sufficient working room to construct the basement walls. After construction, the extra space is filled with soil. However, backfilled soil is never as compact as the original, undisturbed soil.
Over time, the soil settles and can retract from the finished foundation. In areas where soil has pulled away, you can see a dip or depression, exposing parts of your foundation to the elements, including rainwater and snow.
Grading Improves Water Displacement
Adding fill material on top of the settled soil can prevent water from coming in direct contact with your foundation. Maintaining a soil slope away from your home – known as grading – can help to correct the soil displacement that happens over time.
4 Ways to Improve Water Drainage on Your Property
- Disconnect your downspout from the sewer system. Many municipalities have mandatory, volunteer or rebate programs to encourage the disconnection of downspouts.
- Add a concrete splash pad under your downspout to direct water away from your foundation.
- Consider a swale – or depression – between houses to redirect stormwater away from basements. A swale is often found under a property-line fence.
- Prevent basement flooding caused by sewer backups by installing a backwater valve.
How Do I Improve My Roof and Lot Drainage? Diagram
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How Do I Improve My Roof and Lot Drainage? Diagram