How to fix slope and negative grading
When it comes to maintaining a home, one of the most important aspects is ensuring that the grading and drainage is properly set up to keep water and moisture away from the structure and foundation. As we’ve discussed, water is a home’s biggest enemy: A slope or negative grading issue can cause a variety of problems, from water damage to foundation issues, and can be costly to repair if not addressed in a timely manner. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to fix slope and negative grading and drainage for your house, and prevent water and moisture from causing damage.
Understanding Slope
Before we dive into fixing slope and negative grading and drainage, it's important to understand what we mean by "slope". In simple terms, slope refers to the angle at which a surface or land is inclined. In the context of a home, slope refers to the angle at which the ground around the house slopes away from the foundation. The goal is to have a gradual slope away from the foundation so that any water or moisture that comes into contact with the ground near the house is directed away from the foundation, rather than towards it.
The Correct Amount of Slope
The correct amount of slope is crucial when it comes to preventing water and moisture from causing damage to your home. The generally accepted minimum slope recommended for ground around a house is 6 inches of fall for the first 10 feet of horizontal run. This means that for every 10 feet of horizontal distance, the ground should slope downward by at least 6 inches. This ensures that water is directed away from the foundation and prevents it from pooling or collecting around the house.
Identifying Problem Areas
One of the first steps in fixing slope and negative grading and drainage is identifying problem areas. The easiest way to do this is to observe the ground around your house during or after a heavy rain. Look for areas where water is pooling or collecting, and areas where the ground is visibly sloping towards the foundation. These are areas that need to be addressed.
Simple Ways to Fix Slope and Negative Grading and Drainage
Add Soil: If you notice that the ground around your house is sloping towards the foundation, one of the simplest ways to fix the problem is by adding soil. Simply add soil (not gravel) to the problem area, correcting the grade and ensuring that it is sloping away from the foundation. Use a level to ensure that the slope is gradual and uniform.
Install French Drains: If the problem area is too large to fix with soil alone, you may need to install French drains. French drains are trenches filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that directs water away from the foundation. The trench is typically dug to a depth of 18-24 inches and sloped away from the foundation. The perforated pipe is placed in the bottom of the trench and covered with gravel.
Direct Downspouts Away from the Foundation: One of the most important steps in preventing water and moisture from causing damage to your home is directing downspouts away from the foundation. This is especially important if your home already has gutters. Ensure that downspouts are long enough to direct water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation, and that they are sloped away from the house.
Install a Dry Well: If the property’s slope or your downspouts are directing water towards a problem area, you may want to consider installing a dry well. A dry well is a large hole filled with gravel that collects water and allows it to slowly seep into the ground (away from the problem area). This can be a particularly effective solution for homes with limited space for French drains.
Concrete Areas
When concrete walkways, driveways, or paths are present around the perimeter of a home, it can be more complicated to correct slope. Adjusting concrete requires a concrete specialist to either jack up the slab/walkway, or destroy and repour the concrete areas. Concrete work is more expensive than simply adding soil or extending a downspout. Contact a local concrete contractor for an accurate quote to regrade concrete areas on your property. Alternatively, there could be other ways to divert or redirect ground water away from the structure that do not require expensive concrete work.
Keeping Water and Moisture Away from the Home Exterior, Structure, and Foundation
In addition to fixing slope and negative grading and drainage, there are several simple steps you can take to keep water and moisture away from your home, structure, and foundation. Slope and grading are critical factors that can affect the health and safety of your home. By following the steps outlined above, you can fix negative grading and drainage around your home, direct downspouts away from your foundation, and keep water and moisture away from your home's exterior, structure, and foundation. Remember to observe your home during heavy rain to identify problem areas and to seek professional help for repairs that require specific expertise.
