Negative Grading & How To Fix It

Impacts of negative grading

Several potential issues can arise when a surface grade slopes toward a foundation:

1. Water infiltration: If the surface grade slopes towards the foundation, it can cause water to collect against the foundation, potentially leading to water infiltration into the basement or crawl space. This can cause damage to the structure and create an environment conducive to mold and other moisture-related issues.

2. Foundation settling: Excessive water infiltration can cause soil erosion, which can lead to settling and shifting of the foundation, potentially causing cracks and other damage to the foundation and the building.

3. Landscaping problems: Sloping the surface grade towards the foundation can create landscaping problems, such as pools of standing water, which can be difficult to mow or maintain.

4. Erosion: When water is not properly directed away from the foundation, it can cause soil erosion near the foundation, weakening the foundation over time.

5. Pests: A damp and dark environment near the foundation can attract pests such as termites and carpenter ants, which can cause significant damage to the structure.

To mitigate these potential issues, it is important to properly grade the surface around the foundation to direct water away from the building and prevent water infiltration.

How to fix negative grading

Here are some steps you can follow to fix negative foundation grading:

1. Re-grade the soil: The first step is to re-grade the soil around the foundation so that it slopes away from the foundation. This will help to redirect water away from the foundation and prevent it from accumulating near the foundation walls.

2. Install a drainage system: If the soil around the foundation is too steep or re-grading the soil is impossible, you may need to install a drainage system. This could include a French drain, a sump pump, or a perimeter drain system.

3. Install gutters and downspouts: Ensure that the roof gutters and downspouts are working properly and direct water away from the foundation. If the downspouts discharge water near the foundation, you may need to extend the downspouts or install underground drain pipes to direct the water away from the foundation.

4. Install a retaining wall: If the soil is too steep or re-grading the soil is impossible, you may need to install a retaining wall to prevent soil erosion and direct water away from the foundation.

5. Repair cracks in the foundation: If the foundation walls are cracking or showing signs of structural damage, you should have them repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent water from seeping into the basement and causing further damage.

Remember, fixing negative foundation grading is important to prevent serious problems with your foundation, and it is best to seek professional help if you’re not comfortable handling the problem yourself.