Many homeowners share the same concern during the spring season: the potential of flooding or water damage on their property. The past few years in Ottawa have seen record-setting floods, resulting in very high groundwater levels in many areas. Even if your community does not experience high groundwater levels, major rainstorms can cause issues for homeowners, especially if your property lacks proper drainage.
So, how can you improve the drainage system around your home and decrease your risk of water damage? Grading around your home can drastically help with diverting water away from your foundation.
Grading around your home is ensuring that the soil, sand, or stone around your foundation slopes away from your house rather than towards it. Ideally, the ground should slope away from the foundation in all directions. This allows rainwater to flow away from the house rather than pool around it. Whether dealing with rainwater or groundwater, grading around your home will help keep your property safe from damage and your basement dry.
You can always seek professional help from a landscaping or foundation care company when it comes to grading around your home. However, there are many ways that you as a homeowner can be proactive about preventing water damage to your property.
A great place to start is by assessing the current grading around your home. Walk around the outer walls of your home and look for any areas where water may be pooling near the foundation. Pay attention to low spots or areas where the ground slopes towards the house. These are potential trouble spots that need to be addressed.
If you want to correct the grading around your home, you will need screened sand as a base layer and about six inches of topsoil to go on top of the sand. Remove any excess fill from the area and then install the sand, making sure to slope it away from your home. Use a rake and a level to ensure the slope is consistent. Once the grade has been corrected, spread the topsoil over the sand and then plant grass seed or lay sod, remembering to water frequently.
As mentioned above, many professionals can help you improve the grading around your home. A retaining wall or French drain might sometimes be needed to prevent erosion and improve drainage. Whatever method you choose, Greely Sand & Gravel has all the landscaping products you need to complete proper grading around your home.
Visit our online store today to learn more about our premium products, fast and convenient delivery options, and the different services we offer to help make your landscaping project a success. Still unsure about what you need? Come visit us at one of our two landscape depots or call our office. Our friendly staff is here to help!