What purpose does adding dirt around the foundation of the house serve?
Question:We are ready to add dirt around the foundation and thought maybe if I knew the different reasons to do this we might do a really good job. The dirt that he have recieved has a large amount of clay in it.
Answers:
if the foundation wall has already been backfilled, the extra dirt is to create a natural flow away from the house.
The last thing you want is water pooling up next to your foundation wall. If that happens, you could possibly get a wet basement.
The fix is to create a natural slope that will help the water flow away from the foundation.
clay dirt is very strong, and the purpose is to keep your house from sinking as it settles and the foundational concrete from cracking, and becoming unlevel, the main thing is to make sure its packed solid and level
this is called grading. Along with a proper gutter system it allows water to flow away from the house, protecting your foundation, and basement or slab from deterioration caused by water.
The main thing to remember when adding dirt, is to pack well and have it at an angle good for drainage, sloped toward the yard good, not reverse.
The only thing I can add to this is DO IT. mrrosema hit it the nail right on the head. With a good gutter system and a good back fill water runs down hill. I live in michigan and we get our share of rain and snow. I did exactly what mmosema had suggested after I got a water problem and it corrected it instantly and have not had a problem since. Over 20 yrs ago.
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