Hey everyone! We just purchased a house, and I've noticed a pretty serious negative grading issue around it (check out this image for reference: https://imgur.com/a/ElJgVqb). It's definitely a concern since it looks like water is heading straight for the foundation. We recently got a quote for $4,000 to level the concrete on the sidewalks, but I'm wondering if there are any cheaper alternatives. Most of the advice I've found mentions filling with dirt or soil, but I don't think that would actually help in this case. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Before making any big decisions, do you see any signs that this is causing real problems? If not, you could rent a concrete saw and cut a groove that runs out to the front of the house. Other options include pouring a small curb next to the foundation or using adhesive rubber strips to keep water from entering.
One option you might consider is removing some soil underneath to create your own grade. This might help redirect the water away from the foundation.
Just a heads-up, lowering the soil could cause runoff issues with your neighbor's yard if their ground level is higher. It might be better to raise the area near your house and slope it away towards your property line. You could also think about installing a drainage pipe to carry the water away from the foundation.
Another idea could be to pour a new 4-inch sidewalk on top, sloped away from your home. That might solve the water problem without breaking the bank.
I appreciate the suggestions! To answer your question, I haven’t seen any water damage, but since the basement is finished and covered with drywall, it’s tough to tell.