The foundation of your home is one of the most important aspects of any property – it provides stability and keeps you safe from the elements. Unfortunately, if your home’s foundation isn’t properly cared for, it can be damaged by moisture, leading to major problems. Luckily, there are ways to prevent drainage issues, and with the help of professional foundation repair, you can keep your foundation in top condition.
But one of the best prevention methods is the correct management of your yard’s drainage – and if you take a few simple steps, you can help protect your home from any damage caused by moisture.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the major signs and how you can address them, as well as some of the best practices for keeping your yard’s drainage in check and helping to keep your foundation safe.
What Is Yard Grading?
If you’re still struggling to understand the idea of lawn scarification, look at your lawn and those of your neighbors. You will notice that while some yards appear level, others are sloped, with one side being higher or lower than the other.
This rise and fall of the ground around your home is known as grading. Your property can either have good or bad sloping, depending on how it impacts your foundation.
Positive Grading
A house at the high point of the property is said to have a positive grade. This means that the land around your home gradually slopes downwards, starting from the foundation.
A positive grade is a good thing because that small downward slope causes water to drain away from the foundation and prevents flooding. You will be less likely to have structural issues due to water damage, and your home will be much more stable.
Negative Grading
Conversely, a house with a negative grade means that the land around the foundation slopes up and away from it. This is bad because it causes water to move towards and accumulate near the foundation, which can cause flooding and other severe problems in time.
Signs Your Yard Has Poor Grading
It’s important to be aware of any changes in your yard’s grading and how it affects your home.
Spongy Soil
The most common sign of poor drainage is spongy soil near your foundation. Suppose you notice that it feels like walking on a sponge around the perimeter of your house. In that case, there is an accumulation of water in that area, which should be addressed immediately by a professional foundation repair in Knoxville.
If this drenched, spongy soil is close to your home’s exterior, it is especially concerning because your foundation is likely taking the brunt of that excessive moisture.
Drainage Issues
Another sign of poor drainage is when water pools near your foundation. If you notice any pools, puddles, or standing water around the perimeter of your house, it could be a sign of inadequate grading.
Humidity Issue
If your home has a negative grade, it could also be causing an increase in interior humidity levels. If you notice higher-than-normal indoor humidity, it could be due to groundwater seeping into your home.
Too Many Insects
Not only does an overabundance of water in your yard make it difficult to drain properly, but it also attracts more bugs. You’ll probably notice mosquitoes the most because not only are they irritating, but they also lay their eggs in stagnant water.
Improper grading of your yard can result in too many pests because they are attracted to the pooling water, making it an excellent breeding ground.
Foundation Issues
Poor drainage can cause severe damage to your home if left unaddressed. It can cause structural damage to your foundation because the soil around it becomes overly saturated, leading to cracking and settling. This can cause costly foundation repairs.
Ways to Address Poor Grading
If you detect any of the signs listed above, it’s time to take action and fix your grading issue before it causes more serious problems.
Get a Professional Assessment
Several potential causes of drainage problems in your yard, from uneven or poorly sloped ground to overwatering your landscaping and faulty gutters and downspouts. Your yard’s grade may be quite subtle and hard to assess.
The finest thing you can do is to have a professional evaluate your home’s grade and ensure that it meets the requirements for optimal drainage. The professional can also recommend a course of action if the grade is off. This will assist you in avoiding costly repairs and keep your home healthy.
Improve the Soil Around Your Foundation
If the slope of your yard is not severe, you can help by adding more soil around the exterior walls of your house and grading it away from your foundation. This will encourage water to flow away from the house and give you better drainage.
Use The Waterproofing Method
Protecting your home from water is key to safeguarding your investment. Installing a waterproofing system, such as a French drain installation or sump pump, can help keep your basement dry and prevent future damage.
Related Reads: Grading and Regrading – A Complete Guide.
The Bottom Line
Having a well-draining yard is essential to keeping your home safe and dry. However, poor grading can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs and take steps if necessary. If you have a grading issue, don’t hesitate to contact a professional foundation repair in Knoxville for help. They can assess the situation and recommend the best way to improve grading and protect your home from water damage.
Good drainage solutions will help keep your home looking great and ensure that your foundation remains safe for years. So don’t delay; contact a professional today and get your yard back on track!
