There are all sorts of things you can do to help keep water out of a basement. However, some of these methods are only necessary in extreme situations — such as yard grading. Yard grading is a waterproofing method that is only necessary when an extreme slope is present, and that slope is forcing groundwater down towards your home.
Are you interested in learning more about yard grading and its importance? This basement waterproofing company in West Chicago, Illinois is going to explain below.
What Does Yard Grading Entail?
Simply put, yard grading is the process of moving soil to change the slope of a given property. It can be used in a variety of circumstances. For instance, you might grade a yard to make it entirely flat. On the other hand, you might grade a yard to keep groundwater from accumulating against the side of your home’s foundation. The latter example is what commonly occurs during basement waterproofing.
Some homes exist at the bottom of large slopes. These slopes are often problematic, as they cause groundwater to accumulate in their valleys. If a home exists in a valley, it’s going to be subject to this accumulated groundwater on a regular basis. This will result in excess foundation cracking, and therefore increased basement water seepage.
By reducing the slope, however, you can keep much of this groundwater at bay, preventing it from doing undue damage to your home’s foundation. All you need to do is grade your yard.
Yard grading can be performed with simple tools such as shovels. That said, in most cases, heavy machinery is used to perform the task quickly and efficiently. A skid loader, for example, can move substantial amounts of soil from place to place in mere minutes, flattening the area around the home’s foundation, and helping to keep its basement dry.
Yard grading isn’t necessary for all homes. However, if your home is built at the bottom of a hill, it might very well be needed. For more information on yard grading, you can always reach out to a trusted basement waterproofing company in West Chicago, Illinois.
The Positives of Grading Your Yard
Again, not all homes require yard grading in order to keep their basements dry. However, those that do require it can benefit from it in a variety of ways, including the following:
Reduced Foundational Cracking
Grading your yard will reduce hydrostatic pressure against your home’s foundation. This will, in turn, reduce foundational cracking. The less your foundation cracks, the less water your basement will be subject to. Plus, a non-cracked foundation is much stronger than a cracked foundation.
Reduced Risk of Flooding
Having a home at the bottom of a hill leaves its basement highly vulnerable to flooding. By grading that hill, you can drastically reduce the risk of flooding.
Reduced Mold Growth
The more water that makes its way into your basement, the higher risk there is of mold growing in your basement. Fortunately, you can keep a great deal of groundwater at bay by simply grading your yard.
Reduced Pooling
If your home is at the bottom of a hill, it’s almost sure to be exposed to water pools during heavy storms. This not only poses problems for basement waterproofing but also makes your yard more difficult to use. Fortunately, you can eliminate the problem with proper yard grading. A professional basement waterproofing company in West Chicago, Illinois will be happy to carry out this process for you.
Looking for a Basement Waterproofing Company in West Chicago, Illinois?
Are you interested in having your yard professionally graded? If so, and you’re looking for a basement waterproofing company in West Chicago, Illinois that can get the job done right, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is the top choice. Contact us today for a free estimate.