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Common Water Issue in BC
Poor Grading Directing Water to Foundation — Correction Guide
Improper grading that directs rainwater toward the foundation is one of the most common causes of basement moisture in BC homes. Correction is often straightforward.
Possible Causes
- •Settled soil around foundation creating negative grade
- •Landscaping beds built up above foundation level
- •Walkways or patios sloping toward building
- •Missing or inadequate swale to direct water away
- •Downspout discharge too close to foundation
Recommended Steps
- 1Check grade around entire foundation — soil should slope away at 5% (6 inches over 10 feet)
- 2Add fill soil adjacent to foundation to create positive grade
- 3Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from foundation
- 4Regrade flower beds and landscaping to slope away from building
- 5For persistent issues, install French drain or perimeter drainage
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