When a home’s foundation is continually exposed to water, it can crack and affect its structure. If you’re about to begin the land clearing and excavation stage of home building, drainage should be a top priority. Here, learn about the differences between positive and negative drainage before speaking with a foundation contractor.

Positive & Negative Drainage Explained

Positive drainage allows rainwater and melting snow to drain away from your home, which keeps it dry and prevents issues such as foundation damage, basement flooding, water damage to assorted belongings, and mold growth. The land clearing and excavating contractor must grade the soil and dirt, so it slopes away from your home, and the foundation contractor must ensure paved surfaces dip slightly as well.

Negative drainage occurs when proper grading considering soil type and landscape does not happen. Water pools around the home’s foundation instead of away from it, inflicting cracks, flooding damage, and related issues. Even soil dips that seem minor allow water to collect and drain into the home. If the water damage to the foundation is severe enough, it can compromise the home’s structural stability.

How to Avoid Negative Drainage Issues

Make certain water drains away from your dream home by performing soil tests before your excavating contractors start land clearing and grading processes. If there’s an abundance of permeable topsoil or bank sand, excavate and backfill the area with clay soils. Sandy and silty clay soils with plasticity indexes (PI) between 10 and 20, and liquid limits below 40 provide the compaction necessary to keep water draining away from the structure.

Use additional tactics to protect your new home from negative drainage, such as having your basement waterproofed upon installation and inspecting for water accumulations once the house is built. If you notice sections of negative drainage, remove any plants, shrubs, or flowers close to the house, and dig out the grass up to 10 feet away. Increase the grade by adding at least 8 inches of loose, non-permeable soil. Use a lawn roller to compact the soil, so it is about 6 inches high to keep water out. 

Schedule land clearing and excavation with the team at Simak Trucking & Excavating to provide your home with a strong foundation. These excavating and foundation contractors serve clients throughout the North Kingsville, OH, area with the company in business since 1956. Call (440) 224-1992 today to make an appointment or learn more about products and services online.