Your home’s first line of defense against water intrusion is right under your feet—your yard. Poor grading and ineffective exterior drainage are often the hidden culprits behind basement leaks and foundation damage.

Here’s what proper water management looks like:

• Your yard should slope away from the foundation by at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
• Gutter downspouts should extend at least 6 feet away from the home.
• Consider adding French drains or swales to redirect surface water.

These simple exterior improvements can drastically reduce the pressure on your foundation. For a professional assessment, check out our grading and drainage solutions.

More info:

• Yard Grading Tips – Bob Vila