How Grading Around Your Home Affects Your Foundation
Did you know that the slope of the ground around your home—also known as grading—can have a big impact on your foundation’s health? Whether you have a finished basement, crawlspace, or simply want to avoid costly repairs, understanding proper grading is a must.
What Is Proper Grading?
Proper, or positive grading, means the ground, concrete, or landscaping around your foundation slopes away from the home—ideally about six inches over the first ten feet. This helps water drain away instead of pooling around the foundation.
In contrast, negative grading means the slope runs toward the foundation, or is flat or contains low spots. This can direct water toward your basement or crawlspace and lead to serious issues.
The Three Big Problems Caused by Improper Grading
1. Water Intrusion
The first (and often fastest-developing) issue is water getting into your basement or crawlspace. This is especially problematic in finished basements but can be an inconvenience in any situation. If you’ve ever had to break out the shop vac after a storm, you know what we’re talking about.
2. Foundation Damage
Long-term exposure to wet soil can lead to hydrostatic pressure—water pressure pushing against your foundation. This can result in cracks, structural damage, or even full foundation collapse. Repairs in severe cases can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
3. Foundation Settling
Over time, saturated soil may shift, causing your foundation to settle unevenly. This can lead to cracked walls, doors that don’t close properly, and other signs of structural instability. That said, hairline cracks are very common and not usually a cause for concern.
Prevention: The Best Fix Is Outside
Here’s the truth: you can’t fix a drainage problem from inside your basement. Caulking cracks or painting on waterproofing compounds addresses the symptom, not the cause.
Basements aren’t built like submarines—if water is saturating the soil outside your foundation, problems are bound to follow.
So what’s the real solution? Fix the grading.
How to Correct Improper Grading
For Concrete Surfaces:
- Mud-jacking or foam-jacking can lift sunken concrete.
- In some cases, full concrete replacement may be required.
For Soil and Landscaping:
- Add soil along the foundation to create a slope (just make sure to leave at least six inches of foundation exposed below your siding).
- If building up the soil isn’t possible, remove soil farther from the house to create a downward slope.
💡 If you have detailed landscaping, it may need to be temporarily removed and then reinstalled or replaced.
The Good News
Don’t panic—severe foundation issues are not terribly common. Hairline cracks and minor settling are incredibly common and usually nothing to worry about.
What’s important is regular maintenance and prevention. Addressing grading issues now can save you from major expenses in the future.
Take a Walk Around Your Home
Grab a level and walk around the exterior of your house. Look for low spots, puddling, or areas where the ground slopes toward your foundation.
Still unsure? Call or text 712-274-2740 for free advice—we’re happy to help. And if you’d like a more detailed assessment, Smart Choice Inspections offers full home inspections or walk-through consultations tailored to your needs.
Protect your foundation, protect your home—starting from the ground up.
