How To Grade Around a Foundation

Homeowners must properly grade around their homes’ foundations to prevent water damage and maintain structural integrity. If soil slopes toward the foundation, the house can become vulnerable to moisture problems, pest infestations, or rot. Read the guide below to learn how to properly grade around a foundation, and watch the video above for tips from This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.

Assessing Your Current Grade

Thoroughly assess your foundation before you begin grading work. Check to see if there’s soil buildup against the house, and determine whether there may be water runoff from a neighboring property.  

Signs of Poor Grading

The signs below may indicate your property needs regrading.

• Cracks in foundation walls
• Mold or mildew on the lower parts of exterior walls
• Soil that comes up the bottom of your siding
• Water that pools near your house’s foundation after rain
• Wet basement or crawl space

Steps To Grade Around Your Foundation

If you’re familiar with landscaping and have the proper equipment, you may be able to regrade the area near your foundation. Below are the tools you’ll need for the project:

• Circular saw
• Drill/driver
• Garden rake
• Gravel
• Mason line and level
• PVC pipe 
• Pressure-treated lumber 
• Shovel
• Small sledgehammer
• Wheelbarrow

Follow the steps below to properly grade the area around your home’s foundation:

1. Excavate the soil along the foundation wall. Expose 8–10 inches below the lowest course of siding or shingles.
2. Create a level reference point by stretching a nylon string along the foundation wall that’s 2 inches above the surrounding grade.
3. Install a retaining wall if you’re dealing with sloping yards or runoff from neighboring properties.
4. Address drainage issues by installing or extending downspouts and drainage pipes.
5. Add a layer of gravel near the foundation to improve drainage.
6. Slope the soil away from the house at about 6 inches over a distance of 10 feet.

Installing a Retaining Wall to Protect Your Foundation

If neighboring properties are higher than yours, or there’s significant runoff, consider installing a retaining wall. Follow the steps below. 

1. Cut 24-inch-long pointed stakes from pressure-treated two-by-fours.
2. Drive stakes into the ground in front of existing fence posts to add stability.
3. Attach pressure-treated 2-by-12 boards to the stakes to create a barrier against soil and water runoff.
4. Install a second row of stakes in front of the 2-by-1 boards for additional support.

Make sure the wall is level, and properly secure it with additional supports if the slope is too steep.

Improving Drainage Away From Your Foundation

Proper drainage keeps water away from your foundation. It can mean the difference between a dry, healthy environment and one that’s plagued by moisture and mold issues.

Follow the steps below to improve drainage:

1. Dig a 6-inch-deep trench from the downspout to the front yard.
2. Connect a PVC pipe that’s 4 inches in diameter to the bottom of the downspout.
3. Extend the pipe along the trench, and make sure it slopes away from the house.
4. Cover the pipe with gravel to improve drainage and prevent soil erosion.

Installing French Drains

Consider installing French drains for additional drainage support. French drains capture and direct groundwater away from your foundation. Consult a professional for this installation if you have severe water issues.

Adding a Gravel Border Around the Foundation

Consider adding a gravel border around your foundation to improve drainage and reduce splashback onto your siding. Follow the steps below to create this border:

1. Excavate a 12-inch-wide strip along the foundation so that it slopes away from the house.
2. Line the area with landscape fabric to prevent weed growth.
3. Fill the strip with gravel while maintaining the proper slope away from the house.

Gravel can also help to prevent soil erosion and improve overall yard drainage.

Maintaining Proper Grading

Once you have an effective grade around your foundation, you need to take the steps to properly maintain it. Consider the tips below to prevent moisture issues from returning.

• Avoid planting trees or large shrubs too closely to the foundation.
• Add soil or gravel to maintain the proper slope.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris so that water can flow properly.
• Regularly inspect the grading, especially after heavy rains or snow melt. Check for signs of erosion or soil displacement.

Seasonal Maintenance

Changing seasons present various challenges, so make sure you plan accordingly. Clear leaves that block drainage pathways in the fall. Inspect your grading after snow melts in winter, and determine whether you need to make adjustments. Check for new plant growth in spring that might interfere with drainage.

Common Grading Mistakes To Avoid

Avoid the common pitfalls below when you’re grading around your foundation:

• Failing to maintain proper distance between soil and siding, which can lead to rot and pest issues
• Grading toward the house instead of away from it, which can lead to severe water damage
• Neglecting to address drainage from neighboring properties, which can cause unanticipated water flow
• Overlooking necessary gutter and downspout maintenance work

Professional vs. DIY Grading

Many homeowners can tackle foundation grading as part of do-it-yourself projects, but certain situations call for professional help. Consider hiring a professional if any of the following apply. 

• The job requires heavy machinery that is impractical for a DIY approach.
• There are complex drainage issues that need specialized solutions.
• You have a severely sloped yard that requires precise adjustments.
• You’re dealing with significant structural problems that warrant expert evaluation.

Hiring professionals can save you time and effort. They can provide more permanent solutions to complex issues, which will keep your home’s foundation secure.

Our Conclusion

Proper grading around your property can prevent costly water damage and structural issues. By carefully regrading around your foundation, you can protect your home from moisture-related problems and keep your foundation strong for years to come. Regular maintenance and a proactive approach will go a long way in safeguarding this investment.