Grading is the shape and slope of the ground around your home. It is easy to overlook, but poor grading is one of the most common causes of wet basements and soggy yards.
Why slope matters
Your yard should slope away from your house so rain and melting snow drain away from the foundation. A common rule of thumb is a drop of about 15 cm over the first 3 metres. Check with your municipality for the exact lot grading requirements where you live.
Signs of poor grading
- Water pooling next to the foundation after rain.
- Damp or wet areas in the basement.
- Soil that has settled into a low spot beside the house.
- Ice building up on walkways during winter thaws.
- Soggy patches of lawn that never seem to dry.
How a bobcat helps
Regrading by hand is slow, heavy work. A compact bobcat can move and level soil quickly, even in tight backyards. Typical grading work includes:
- Adding or removing topsoil to correct the slope.
- Filling low spots near the foundation.
- Levelling areas for new sod, patios or sheds.
- Shaping shallow channels so water drains where it should.
The best time to regrade
Spring and early summer, once the ground has thawed and dried, are ideal. Regrading before you lay new sod or build a patio saves you from fixing drainage problems later.
Make sure your downspouts empty a couple of metres away from the foundation. It is a quick, low-cost fix that works hand in hand with good grading.
JSC provides bobcat services for grading, levelling and site preparation across Edmonton, Leduc, Beaumont and St. Albert. Get a free quote.