For most properties, when it comes to basement waterproofing, sump pumps and drain tiles will just about do the trick. However, in some cases, other measures are necessary to keep water out of a home. One such measure that can be highly effective is yard grading.
You might be wondering: what is yard grading, and how can you tell whether you need it? To help give you a better understanding, this yard grading contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois is going to discuss some of the key things you should know below.
What Is Yard Grading?
First, let’s discuss what yard grading is. Yard grading is the process of moving soil as a means of leveling out the ground. This can be done for several reasons. However, it’s commonly done to prevent water from pooling near the foundation of a home or building.
Yard grading is an intensive process that typically requires the use of heavy machinery. It’s often used in situations where a house sits at the bottom of a hill. The hill causes water to pool around the base of the home, which means the slope of the hill needs to be reduced to prevent water from pooling. This is what yard grading achieves.
Note, though, that other portions of a yard can be graded as well. For instance, if there’s a large bump in the middle of the yard, you might want to grade it to make your yard more suitable for certain activities.
Yard grading is rarely the first course of action when it comes to basement waterproofing. This is because it’s an intensive process. It’s generally used in occasions where all other methods have been exhausted and it’s the only feasible option remaining.
If you’re curious as to whether your basement could benefit from yard grading, do not hesitate to reach out to your local yard grading contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois. They can assess your property and help you determine whether this process could be beneficial.
Signs You Need Yard Grading
There are several signs that would indicate a need for yard grading. Some of the most prominent of these signs include the following:
Your House Is Located at the Bottom of a Hill
The first sign that you might need to work with a yard grading contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois is that your house is located at the bottom of a hill. If this is the case, there is almost certainly excessive amounts of groundwater accumulating around your home’s foundation. This is because the hill is causing it to roll down to your home’s foundation.
This isn’t to say that yard grading is always needed in these circumstances. However, at the very least, it merits an inspection from a waterproofing contractor. They will be able to determine whether the hill is substantial enough to pursue yard grading.
Water Routinely Pools Around Your Foundation
Another sign that you might need yard grading is that water routinely pools around your foundation. This is particularly true in cases where the house is also located at the bottom of a hill.
This issue is not always caused by improper grading. It can also be caused by a lack of a sump pump, not to mention a lack of drain tiles. In some cases, the home’s gutter and downspout systems are to blame.
In any case, if there’s water pooling around your home’s foundation, it’s best to schedule an inspection with a professional yard grading contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois. Until something is done to stop the pooling, your basement is going to be unduly subjected to groundwater.
Looking for a Yard Grading Contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois?
Do you need help determining whether yard grading is a suitable option for your property? Looking to schedule an inspection with a reputable yard grading contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois? If so, look no further than the professionals at ULB-DRY Waterproofing.
Our crew has graded countless yards throughout the Lake Forest area, and we would be happy to do the same for your yard. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.