Grading and Drainage
Classic established the grading of your site so that water falling on the site, whether from natural precipitation or from normal lawn irrigation, flows positively away from the foundation and concrete slabs of the Residence. Maintaining those drainage patterns is essential to protecting your home.
Drainage swales may follow property boundaries. Classic will not alter drainage swales to suit individual landscape plans. It is normal for the site to receive water from and/or pass water on to other sites. If you or the HOA make changes in grading or drainage, install landscaping improperly, or fail to perform required maintenance to maintain the proper drainage, and these are deemed to be the cause of damages, Classic, as a courtesy, may suggest corrective measures but will not be responsible for their implementation or expense.
Drainage Basics
- Site drainage is limited to the immediate grades and swales (within 5 to 10 ft. of the foundation, depending on the setback) affecting the structure
- No standing or ponding water should remain in the immediate area of the Residence longer than twenty-four (24) hours after a rain, except in swales where water should not stand longer than seventy-two (72) hours
Exterior Landscape Materials
Maintain soil levels at least 6 inches below siding, stucco, brick, or other exterior finish materials. Contact with the soil can cause deterioration of the exterior finish material and encourages pest infestations.
Roof Drainage
Do not remove the splash blocks or downspout extensions from under the downspouts. Keep them in place at all times and make sure they are sloped so the water drains away from your home quickly.
Settling
The area we excavated for your home's foundation and utilities was larger than the actual size of the home and utilities installed. Although we replaced and compacted the soil, it does not return to its original density. Some settling will occur, especially after prolonged or heavy rainfall or melting of large amounts of snow. Settling can continue for several years.
Inspect the perimeter of your home regularly for signs of settling and repair as needed to maintain the established final grade.
Subsurface Drains
Occasionally Classic installs a subsurface drain to ensure that water drains from a yard adequately. Keep this area, and especially the drain cover, clear of debris so that the drain can function as intended.
Related Topics
- Foundation - Protecting your foundation
- Landscaping - Landscaping and drainage
- Gutters and Downspouts - Roof drainage care
- Fencing - Fencing and drainage swales
Warranty Coverage: See Grading and Drainage Standards for coverage details.