Grading & Drainage
Proper drainage protects your home's foundation from water damage. Understanding and maintaining the grading around your home is one of the most important responsibilities of homeownership.
Maintaining drainage patterns is YOUR responsibility. Altering the original grading may void your warranty coverage for drainage-related issues.
How It Works
Classic Homes establishes grading to ensure water flows away from your foundation and concrete slabs. Key concepts:
- Site drainage is limited to grades and swales within 5-10 feet of the foundation
- Drainage swales may follow property boundaries and direct water between sites
- Water transfer between sites is normal - your site may receive water from or pass water to adjacent sites
- Standing water should not remain near your home longer than 24 hours after rain
- Swale drainage should clear within 72 hours
Routine Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect perimeter grading | Monthly | 15 minutes |
| Check splash blocks/extensions | Monthly | 5 minutes |
| Clear drainage swales | As needed | Varies |
| Fill settling areas | As needed | Varies |
| Verify soil level below siding | Seasonally | 5 minutes |
Maintaining Soil Levels
Maintain soil levels at least 6 inches below siding, stucco, brick, or other exterior finish materials.
Why this matters:
- Soil contact can deteriorate exterior finishes
- Ground-level soil encourages pest infestations
- Moisture transfer into walls causes damage
Roof Drainage and Splash Blocks
Critical: Do not remove splash blocks or downspout extensions.
- Keep them in place at all times
- Ensure they slope so water drains away from home
- Extensions should discharge outside of rock or bark beds
- Don't let landscape edging dam water behind it
Settling and Backfill Areas
The excavated area around your foundation was backfilled, but this soil doesn't return to original density.
Expect:
- Some settling, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt
- Settling can continue for several years
- More settling in backfilled areas than undisturbed ground
Your responsibility:
- Inspect the perimeter regularly
- Fill settling areas as needed to maintain grade
- Don't let settling create negative drainage toward the house
Troubleshooting
Standing Water Near Foundation
- Check duration - Is water standing more than 24 hours?
- Check for alterations - Has the grade been changed?
- Check splash blocks - Are they directing water away?
- Check settling - Has the ground settled toward the house?
Standing Water in Swales
- Check for debris - Clear any obstructions
- Check duration - Should drain within 72 hours
- Check for alterations - Has anyone modified the swale?
Settling Around Foundation
- Measure the depth - More than 4 inches warrants attention
- Add soil - Fill to restore positive drainage
- Compact lightly - Prevent future rapid settling
- Monitor - Recheck after rain events
What to Avoid
Water features (fountains, ponds, etc.) must NOT be installed within 10 feet of the foundation. Installing water features too close may void your Limited Warranty.
- Don't alter the grade - Changes void warranty coverage
- Don't block swales - Water must flow freely
- Don't remove splash blocks - Essential for foundation protection
- Don't let edging dam water - Ensure water can escape
- Don't ignore settling - Fill depressions promptly
Your Grading Inspection Certificate (GIC)
Classic Homes documents the final grade at delivery of your home.
The GIC is important because:
- It records the original drainage patterns
- It's used to evaluate warranty claims
- Claims are compared against the original documented grade
Keep your GIC in a safe place with your home documents.
Working with Landscapers
When hiring landscape contractors:
- Discuss drainage with any company you hire
- You are responsible for any changes they make
- Ensure they understand the importance of maintaining grades
- Have them review your GIC before starting work
Related Topics
Warranty Coverage: See Grading and Drainage Standards for coverage periods and exclusions.