There are many different aspects of basement waterproofing. In the Bannockburn area, some of the most common options you will find include sump pumps, drain tiles, waterproof membranes, and more. However, one waterproofing method you might not hear about as often is yard grading.
What is yard grading? How does it contribute to basement waterproofing? This basement waterproofing company in Bannockburn, Illinois is going to answer those questions below.
What Is Yard Grading?
Yard grading is the process of moving soil around to flatten out slopes and contours in a yard. It can be used for a variety of purposes. That said, it’s most often used in the waterproofing of basements. Namely, it’s used to prevent excess groundwater from coming to rest up against a home’s foundation.
When a home is built at the bottom of a large hill, excess water tends to roll down that hill, applying excess pressure to the foundation of the home. This causes undue foundation cracking and more inward water seepage into the home’s basement.
By moving soil and lessening the slope of the hill, however, you can greatly reduce water pressure against the foundation, thereby helping to waterproof the home’s basement. Yard grading is the key.
Most homes don’t require extensive yard grading for basement waterproofing purposes. However, if your home is at the bottom of a notable hill, it more than likely requires yard grading at some level.
If you need help determining whether your property needs to be graded, you can always reach out to your local basement waterproofing company in Bannockburn, Illinois. They can provide a detailed breakdown of their findings and help you make the right choice.
The Consequences of Not Grading Your Yard
If your home isn’t located at the bottom of a hill, it more than likely doesn’t require yard grading. If it is, however, it more than likely does. Failing to grade your yard in the latter situation can result in several negative consequences, including the following:
Excess Foundation Cracking
When hills are present, water tends to collect in their valleys. If your home is in one of these valleys, it’s almost certainly being exposed to excess groundwater and excess foundation cracking. Fortunately, your basement waterproofing company in Bannockburn, Illinois can help reduce this cracking by properly grading your yard.
Inward Water Seepage
The more foundation cracks that are present, the more water that will make its way into your basement. Therefore, if you want to keep your basement from flooding, you need to reduce foundation cracks. In cases where the home is in a valley, grading the yard is often an integral part of doing this.
Mold Growth
Mold grows where water goes. Therefore, if you want to keep mold out of your basement, you need to keep water out of your basement. Yard grading is oftentimes a key to doing this.
Pooling Water
One last consequence of not grading your yard is pooling water. Pools of water will almost certainly develop in the areas surrounding your home’s foundation. These could kill your grass and will almost undoubtedly make it difficult for you to use your yard fully. By grading your yard, however, you can eliminate the risk of pooling, thus giving you a healthier yard overall.
Looking for a Basement Waterproofing Company in Bannockburn, Illinois?
Are you constantly dealing with moisture issues in your basement? Ready to find out whether grading your yard could be an effective solution? If so, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is the company in Bannockburn, Illinois to call. Contact us to schedule an assessment.