Foundation Repair – How to Identify Poor Grading Macedonia, OH
Are the walls of your foundation showing signs of bowing? Cracks and bowing of basement walls are often a result of soil movement. In many instances the movement is a result of poor grading of the landscape around your foundation. When the landscape slopes towards your foundation, water flows to the foundation. When water pools around the foundation it is absorbed by the soil causing an increase in hydrostatic pressure acting against the foundation walls. Addressing the grading of your land is therefore an important part of foundation repair.
Signs of poor grading
Being able to identify poor grading will ensure that you can protect your foundation by regrading your land. The following are some signs to keep an eye out for:
- Pools of water
One of the most obvious signs of poor grading and poor drainage is the pooling of water in different parts of your yard. Water runs in the direction of least resistance. If your land slopes towards your home, you may notice water pooling near your home’s foundation. The pooling is also a sign that your property has poor drainage.
- Spongy soils
Sometimes signs of poor grading aren’t obvious. Your yard may appear to be in great condition from the surface. However, a walk through the yard may reveal problems. Spongy soils give the false impression that everything is fine. When you step on them, they reveal their true nature. You can expose water beneath the surface when you walk through your yard.
- Dying greenery
Plants love water. However, too much of anything is bad. When plants such as grass are overexposed to water, they begin to die off. Being exposed to too much water rots the plant’s roots. You may notice that your plants are turning yellow and dying.
- Presence of mosquitos
Mosquitos love bushes. However, they need stagnant water to breed. The stagnant water doesn’t have to be a pool of water. Mosquitoes can breed in very small pools or muddy areas. If you’ve noticed an increase in the number of mosquitos on your property, there’s probably some standing water or excessive moisture on your property.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above in addition to bowing orcracking in your basement walls, it is important to get in touch with a foundation repair professional as soon as possible. Addressing the grading is an important part of protecting your foundation for the long term.
Contact the Professionals at Ohio State Waterproofing Today! (330) 467-1055
