[swaterbenny]

We are just buying a home that has some grading that slopes slightly towards the house. Even though there is no water in the basement yet, I wanna keep it that way. So I was just wondering if there is a certain type of soil I should use to build up the grade or if it doesn't really matter? Thanks, Ben

 

[Bob Mariani]

Clay type soil works best at the top, since it will shed water more. Deeper levels use sand to allow the water to drain. slope is the most important factor

 

[swaterbenny]

Thanks, I have also heard rock on top is better than mulch, because it doesn't hold the water? Any truth to that? Thanks, Ben

 

[Scuba_Dave]

If the ground slopes towards the house, from what distance?
Adding dirt to slope away from the house make sure you still have a min of 8" between the dirt & siding
Ideally you want the land to slope away for at least 15' I think?
If less then where the 2 slopes meet the water will saturate & sink into the ground. And probably seep towards the house anyways

 

[Bob Mariani]

If less then where the 2 slopes meet the water will saturate & sink into the ground.

If this is the situation you install a french drain and divert the water around the house with drain pipes in a gravel bed.

Mulch or rock would only make a difference if as Scuba mentions your siding is too close to the ground. The slope away is most important. Gutters with downspouts are the next thing to be concerned with.

 

[swaterbenny]

One side of the house has gutters, and we picked up some gutter for the other side... The side already up slopes well away from the house. I plan to point mine in the direction of the driveway which also slopes down towards the ditch area. I will get some pictures next time we are out there. I have a feeling a French drain is going to be needed possibly, but we were out there at the hight of the melt, and the water was no where near the walkout basement slab so we will see. Thanks, Ben

 

[Scuba_Dave]

One issue with with drains that exit on the driveway
Winter thaw & freeze
I've seen many driveways iced up as water melts & then refreezes overnite

If there is enough room bury a pipe over to the ditch from downspout

 

[swaterbenny]

The only concern I had wit burying a pipe was that it would have to go right through the drain field of my septic system... which is not ok from what I understand. Any help is good help. Thanks, Ben