There are a few essential basement waterproofing components that nearly any basement in the Highwood area can benefit from. These include sump pumps and drain tiles, to name a couple.
While these components can be highly effective, they will struggle to keep your basement dry if your yard is not properly graded. Are you wondering what yard grading is, and when it might be necessary? This yard grading company in Highwood, Illinois is going to explain below.
What Exactly Is Yard Grading?
Yard grading is the process of shifting a yard’s soil so that it possesses less slope. It can be done with simple shovels. However, for speed and convenience purposes, it’s typically done with large-scale machinery and equipment.
Yard grading may be performed for several different purposes. In some cases, homeowners simply want a flatter yard. In most cases, however, it’s done to induce more optimal water drainage.
Yard grading is often recommended for homes that are located at the bottoms of large slopes. Why? Because, when large slopes are present, water tends to pool at the bottoms of them. If there’s a home at the bottom of the slope, its foundation will be subject to this pooled water. Over time, this will place excess undue hydrostatic pressure against the foundation, causing it to crack more than it would otherwise. The more cracks that are present, the more water the home’s basement will take on. As such, to keep basement water seepage to a minimum, the yard can be graded to level out the slope of the hill.
Most homes don’t require yard grading for basement waterproofing purposes. That said, some do. If you think yours might, do not hesitate to contact a professional yard grading company in Highwood, Illinois for an assessment.
How to Tell if You Need Yard Grading
There are a handful of signs that might indicate the need for yard grading. These include (but aren’t limited to) the following:
Your House Is Located at the Bottom of a Hill
If your home is located at the bottom of a hill, there’s a decent chance that it would benefit from yard grading. Even a slight slope can result in excess groundwater accumulating next to the home’s foundation. If the slope is substantial, there’s really no doubt: yard grading would make a difference.
Water Commonly Pools by Your Home’s Foundation
Does water pool next to your home’s foundation every time it rains? If so, it’s almost certainly an issue with the contours of your yard. Unfortunately, this exposes your home’s foundation to excess pressure. By moving just small amounts of soil, however, you can likely combat the problem fully. A knowledgeable yard grading company in Highwood, Illinois can help in these situations.
Your Home Suffers Excess Foundation Cracks Despite Having a Basement Waterproofing System in Place
The last sign that you may need to have your yard graded is that your foundation suffers excess cracking, despite having a basement waterproofing system in place. A sump pump and drain tiles should essentially bring foundational cracking to a standstill. Yes, there may still be some cracks, but very few. If these devices are failing to keep cracks at bay, it’s likely due to excess water exposure caused by yard contours.
Looking for a Yard Grading Company in Highwood, Illinois?
Are you wondering whether you could benefit from grading your yard? If so, and if you’re ready to schedule an assessment with the best yard grading company in Highwood, Illinois, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is the company to call. Contact us today to get started.