Keep Water Where It Belongs
Are you tired of soggy flower beds, water pooling along your foundation, and mulch taking a downhill journey after every Kansas thunderstorm? If so, you’re not alone! With all of the rain and moisture we’ve been having this year, proper drainage around your home is more important than ever. That’s where Greenbelt Lawns’ dirt work service steps in to rescue your yard and your foundation!
Why Positive Drainage Matters
Positive drainage means the ground slopes away from your house, directing water safely into your yard rather than letting it sneak toward your foundation. Here’s why it’s crucial:
- Prevents foundation damage: Water pooling at the base of your home can lead to leaks, cracks in the foundation, rot, and even structural failure over time. Clay soil, common in Wichita, expands when wet and shrinks when dry, stressing your foundation with each cycle.
- Stops erosion and costly repairs: Poor grading erodes soil and landscaping. It can even sink patios or walkways and damage basement walls.
- Keeps your home healthy: Water near your foundation breeds mold, mildew, and pests.
How Much Should Your Yard Slope?
In Wichita, the goal is to have a grade that is at least a 6-inch drop over the first 10 feet away from the foundation. That’s a slope of about 1/2 inch per foot or 2% minimum. While this is the goal, sometimes it is not always attainable without major regrading. For most homes, if we can add 4 to 6 inches of dirt at the foundation, and grade it out 4 feet away from the foundation, water can usually find its own path away from the house, ensuring water races away from your home, rather than pooling and causing trouble.
The (Unavoidable) Truth About Settlement
All homes settle after construction. For new builds, most settling happens in the first year, as the soil and structure adjust. You might see:
- Minor cracks in drywall or around windows
- Slight changes in doors or trim
Existing homes can continue to settle, especially after heavy rainfall or drought. While initial settling in new homes usually settles down in a year or two, gradual shifts can still happen for many years if the chemical composition of the soil changes or if the yard is not graded correctly.
How Settlement Affects Drainage
As homes settle, the original slope around the foundation often disappears. Soil pulls away or compacts, letting water flow back toward your house instead of away. This subtle shift can wreak havoc, especially after periods of significant rain or moisture. Think of all those torrential downpours we’ve had in the past year – yup, those are most likely destroying the grade of your yard.
Signs You Need to Text Boomer to Schedule Your Dirt Work:
- Water pooling or lingering along your foundation line after storms
- Mulch or dirt washing downhill
- Depressions or grooves in the soil where water runs off your roof or gutters, commonly known as “drip trenches”
- Cracks in the foundation, especially if they’re growing
- Doors and windows that stick or don’t close easily
- Musty smells, mold, or mildew in basements or crawlspaces
- Uneven or sloping floors
Don’t Chalk It Up to “Old House Problems”
Ignoring water problems today often means heavier repairs tomorrow. The good news: positive drainage fixes are quicker and more affordable than major foundation repairs or mold remediation.
How Greenbelt Lawns Can Help
Our team specializes in expert dirt work and yard grading services designed for Wichita’s unique clay soils and weather. We will:
- Assess your yard’s current grade and settling issues
- Add and shape fill dirt for the ideal 6-inch drop in the first 10 feet
- Compact and stabilize the soil to prevent future settling
- Ensure you have positive drainage for long-term protection
Ready to Protect Your Home and Yard?
Don’t let this year’s wild weather win. If any of the warning signs sound familiar, or if you’re just not sure your yard is sloped correctly, reach out! Text Boomer Paul today, and let Greenbelt Lawns keep your home high, dry, and looking great.
Your future self and your home’s foundation will thank you.
For More Information, Check Out Some of The Sources for This Article:
Fronter Basement Systems | The Crucial Role of Drainage in Protecting Your Home’s Foundation
Healthy Building Science | The Importance of Proper Drainage Systems for Your Home’s Health: Types of Residential Drainage Systems to Consider
Sedgwick County | Wichita Foundation, Basement and Slab-On-Grade Standards for One and Two Family Dwellings