Homeowners Should Grade Their Soil Now To Avoid Foundation Disaster During El Niño

Now that meteorologists warn that the El Niño climate pattern could bring heavier rainfall to certain areas of the U.S., protecting your home’s foundation should be top of mind.

And grading is the most affordable, effective way to do just that.

“Proper grading and drainage corrections are relatively inexpensive compared to major structural repairs. It’s always cheaper to manage water than to repair a damaged foundation,” explains Hayden Slack, owner and general manager at G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair in Fort Worth, TX.

Ultimately, being proactive can mean the difference between minor drainage maintenance and an expensive foundation repair bill. 

What is grading?

Grading is the first line of defense for your home’s foundation. 

“It’s a technique that ensures the soil around your property slopes away from the structure instead of toward it,” says Slack.

When performed correctly, grading allows the ground to slope downward 6 inches over the first 10 feet from the home. This will direct water away before it has a chance to soak into the soil surrounding the foundation. 

“Proper drainage is particularly important in areas with expansive clay soils, like those throughout Texas where moisture fluctuation can lead to serious foundation issues,” Slack explains.

Regardless of where you live, however, grading is a smart, cost-effective improvement as it addresses the root cause before any structural damage occurs. 

“Most foundation repairs we work on started out as smaller drainage problems that were ignored for years,” adds Slack.

How to check your home’s perimeter

Since drainage issues usually appear outside of the home—long before structural damage is visible inside, experts suggest inspecting your home’s perimeter on a regular basis.

Do so after a period of heavy rain as that’s the easiest and best time to find issues. 

“Look for standing water near the foundation or areas where water is flowing back toward the house. Check the gutters to make sure downspouts are pushing water several feet away. Also, keep an eye out for landscaping beds that may be trapping moisture against the home,” says Slack.

Slack points out that there may be signs of drainage problems inside of your home as well.

“Drywall cracks, doors sticking, windows not opening properly, or sloping floors are all concerning," he adds.

In many cases, DIY grading is the ideal fix. It can help redirect water and reduce the risk of serious issues down the road while saving you a great deal of cash.

“Regrading your soil and improving drainage around your home typically costs far less than repairing cracked foundations, replacing damaged flooring, or mitigating water intrusion after the fact,” explains Stanley C. Stoll, professional engineer and CEO at Knott Laboratory in Grand Junction, CO.

When to call in a pro

Sometimes, minor DIY grading improvements aren’t enough.  

A professional evaluation might be required if there are persistent drainage problems, recurring basement leaks, interior cracks, or sloping interior floors. 

“Homes located near embankments, waterways or steep slopes are more vulnerable to these issues and in turn demand more advanced analysis sooner,” says Stoll. 

Once you realize your home’s grading needs call for a pro, reach out to a geotechnical engineer for a professional evaluation and request options for repairs. 

“There will usually be several solutions that balance risk with repair costs. These may include installing a French drain or interior waterproofing. Be sure to choose and implement one that fits your circumstances and situation,” adds Stoll.