GRADING AND MOISTURE CONTROL

Water seepage in basements is of heightened concern to many home owners. In many homes the easiest and least expensive way to dry up a basement is with attention to the grading around the exterior of the foundation and controlling water runoff.

 Our first recommendation for any homeowner is to take a walk in the rain. There is no good way to properly evaluate the drainage around the home with out knowing what is going on during an all day rain heavy downpour and spring thaw.

 During your walk in the rain look for any ponding of water, overflowing, leaky gutters, proper extensions on drain leaders.

 The proper slope of the soil around the foundation is 1” per foot for 4-5 feet, ideally with an underlayment of heavy plastic with decorative rock, or suitable ground covering on top. Wood chips or other mulches need to be kept to a minimum because it holds moisture in and does not let the area dry out.

Shrubs, trees, gardens, and any other plantings should be planted away from the foundation. Their root system can be extensive and cause pressure on the foundation and create avenues for moisture to travel down. On a dry day, homeowners will water plants and during the night there may be a storm that would put rainwater on top of saturated ground.

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