One of the fixes we are always talking about to preventing a flooded basement is to grade your yard to allow for excess rainfall to run away from the house. But, what exactly does the process of yard grading entail? Let’s take a look at the basics of yard grading and what you can expect.
What Does Yard Grading Mean?
Yard grading is when you create a mild incline in your yard to correct the slope of your yard so that rainwater and other precipitation flow away from the foundation of your home. The ideal slope around your house should be between 3% and 25%. If the grade of your yard is less than 3%, you should contact Missouri Foundation and Foam to regrade your yard. A slope greater than 25% can cause erosion and often calls for a different process called landscape grading. Below are the main 3 steps we would take when regrading your yard:
1. Evaluate the Slope and Make a Plan
We will measure the current slope of your yard and make a recommendation for how we would complete the regrading of your yard. We would work with you to ensure the plans for your yard would work for you and your vision for your home and yard.
2. Distribute the Soil
We will bring in the heavy equipment necessary to make quick work at regrading your yard. We will not only redistribute the soil currently in your yard but bring in the appropriate amount of topsoil to achieve the desired sloping. We do all the calculations so you don’t have to. We start by taking soil to the areas that need to be raised, near the foundation and then we smooth the slope into a reasonably level surface. The soil is then tamped down to compact the new dirt.
3. The Finishing Touches
Once the slope is completed, we add topsoil to replace what was initially removed and till it into the surface of the subsoil. Sod will then be added to the soil to provide new ground cover. The roots will help bind the new topsoil together and act as erosion control. You will want to make sure to keep up with watering the growing grass over the next days and weeks.
What are the Benefits of Having My Yard Graded?
As a homeowner, you likely know that drainage issues can cause many problems for a home’s lawn and foundation. Over time, runoff water can cause cracks and weaknesses in a home’s foundation, which at its worst can cause leaking, flooding, or even sinking. Here are some other problems that proper grading can solve or even prevent:
- A soggy or mushy lawn
- Standing water that attracts mosquitoes
- Soil erosion
- Suffocation or root rot in trees, bushes, and other plants
- Ice buildup in the winter
Schedule Yard Grading Services Today
Protect your home from excess moisture and flooding with the experts at Missouri Foundation & Foam. Contact us today for a free consultation on waterproofing the basement, crawl space, or foundation of your home.
