By Eric Stack, PE

Owner of Keystone KC Foundation Repair and Waterproofing  

A common complaint of homeowners in the Kansas City area is water in the basement.

Many of us are familiar with the dread of wondering if there is water in the basement

after a storm. It can be a slow drip of groundwater or a rush of water down a wall.

Although the cause and origin of water problems vary, there is one simple solution

everyone can check and address today: Grading. Maintaining proper grading around a

home’s foundation is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of home

maintenance.

Grading, in this case, refers to the slope or level of soil surrounding a structure designed

to direct water away from the foundation. When done correctly, it protects the structural

integrity of a home, preventing water from collecting against the foundation, leading to

costly repairs. Poor grading allows rainwater, snowmelt, or irrigation water to

accumulate close to or against the foundation walls. Over time, this water can saturate

the soil, leading to additional hydrostatic pressure on the foundation wall. This pressure

can cause cracks in concrete, weakening the structure, and leading to foundation

problems such as shifting or settling. By maintaining a consistent slope away from the

building (typically a drop of at least six inches over the first ten feet) water is naturally

diverted, reducing these risks.

Homeowners should monitor the grading around the house seasonally, especially after

extreme weather, to ensure the slope remains intact. The long-term neglect of grading

and drainage around the foundation can accelerate the natural settling common in the

Kansas City Region. Soil around a building naturally compacts over time, and erosion or

heavy rain can cause divots and sloping towards the structure. Without regular

inspection and upkeep, such as adding soil to low spots or clearing debris from

drainage paths, the original grading design may become ineffective.

While grading can be quite straightforward in most cases, other times it can be more

complex. Factors like downspout positioning, topography of the surrounding land and

water tables and poor drainage from neighboring properties may require more creative

solutions. Well-equipped and informed foundation and waterproofing companies will

have the tools and expertise to move dirt quickly, factor the slope from various

directions and install French drains or water diversion to move water away from your

home and keep it out.

Maintaining grading around a foundation is a small investment with significant returns. It

protects against structural damage and water intrusion while preserving a property’s

value and aesthetics. Whether through routine maintenance or professional re-grading,

this practice is a cornerstone of property maintenance. Repairing water damage and/or

mitigating mold can be expensive and disruptive. Ignoring exterior grading invites a host

of preventable problems, proving that when it comes to foundations, an ounce of

prevention outweighs a pound of cure!