Grading and Drainage: Protecting Your Home from Water Damage

One of the most common issues found during home inspections is poor grading and drainage around the foundation. While it might not seem serious at first, improper drainage can cause costly foundation problems, erosion, and even water intrusion into crawl spaces or basements over time.

What Is Grading and Drainage?

“Grading” refers to the slope of the ground surrounding your home. “Drainage” refers to how surface and subsurface water flows away from the structure. Together, they determine whether water moves safely away from the foundation or pools nearby, where it can cause damage.

Why It Matters

When rainwater or irrigation doesn’t drain correctly, it can: Saturate the soil and create foundation movement or cracking.

• Cause standing water near the home, encouraging mosquitoes and organic growth

• Lead to rotted wood, rusted HVAC components, or damp crawl spaces

• Damage landscaping and concrete walkways Even small grading issues can create large problems over time.

Signs of Poor Drainage

• Water pooling within 5–10 feet of the foundation

• Soil erosion or exposed roots

• Dampness in basements or crawl spaces

• Cracks in brick, drywall, or concrete slabs

• Stains or efflorescence (white residue) on foundation walls

How to Improve Grading and Drainage

Ensure the soil slopes at least 6 inches down over the first 10 feet from the foundation. Keep gutters and downspouts clean and extend them 4–6 feet away from the home. Consider adding swales, French drains, or catch basins to redirect heavy runoff. Avoid piling mulch or soil directly against siding. A small adjustment in landscape grading can make a big difference in protecting your foundation and keeping moisture out.

Why Inspections Help

During a home inspection, Max-Pro Home Inspections checks for evidence of drainage problems such as erosion, ponding, or negative grading. Identifying these issues early can prevent expensive foundation repairs and help maintain the structural integrity of your home

Max-Pro Home Inspections proudly serves Nederland, Port Arthur, Groves, Port Neches, Bridge City, Orange, Vidor, Mauriceville, Little Cypress, Orangefield, Deweyville, Lumberton, Beaumont, Silsbee, Kirbyville, Buna, Evadale, Jasper, Brookeland, Kountze, Sour Lake, Warren, Hillister, Woodville, China, Nome, Fannett, Hamshire, Winnie, Hankamer, Anahuac, Batson, Saratoga, Moss Hill, Devers, Raywood and all surrounding areas.