Soil Grading & Drainage Solutions That Protect Your Foundation

Protecting your home starts from the ground up. Our expert foundation repair services address everything from poor drainage to bowing walls and soil issues. Explore each solution below to learn more.

Expert soil grading that reshapes your yard to fight water, erosion, and foundation damage—before it becomes a problem.

By properly sculpting the land around your home, we prevent rainwater from pooling, soil from washing away, and structural issues from developing. Our team designs every slope and drainage path to work with your property’s natural layout—so your foundation stays dry, stable, and protected long-term.

What Is Soil Grading and Why It Matters?

Soil grading reshapes the ground to create a proper slope that directs water away from your foundation. This process protects your home from flooding, erosion, and structural damage. It also improves lawn health by promoting even water distribution and reducing soil displacement.

⇥ Redirects water away from your foundation to prevent flooding
⇥ Reduces erosion and protects landscaping
⇥ Promotes healthier, greener lawn growth

Signs You May Need Soil Grading

Before a foundation can be properly repaired, it’s important to understand what’s causing the damage in the first place. Shifting soil, poor drainage, weather extremes, or even construction shortcuts can all play a role in undermining your home’s stability.

At The Foundation Guys, we help you identify the source—not just the symptoms—so we can recommend the right long-term solution. Knowing the cause means you can act sooner, avoid bigger issues, and protect your home from future damage.

Water Pooling Near the Foundation:

Puddles forming around your home after rainfall indicate poor drainage, which can lead to foundation issues.

Basement Dampness or Musty Odors:

Excess moisture or unpleasant smells in the basement can result from water seeping in due to inadequate grading.

Visible Soil Erosion:

Noticeable soil displacement or exposed tree roots suggest that water is not being properly diverted away from your property.

Cracks in the Foundation:

The appearance of new cracks or widening of existing ones may signal that the soil around the foundation is shifting because of poor drainage.

Interior Warning Signs of Foundation Issues

Spot the signs early—before small cracks turn into major problems.

Changes inside your home can reveal what’s happening beneath the surface. From cracked drywall to sloping floors, interior warning signs often point to foundation movement caused by poor soil grading or water buildup. Here’s what to watch for:

Cracks in Walls and Ceilings:

Diagonal or stair-step cracks, especially near doorways or windows, can be a sign of foundation movement.

Basement Moisture or Mold Growth:

Persistent dampness or mold in the basement often points to water intrusion linked to poor grading.

Uneven or Sloping Floors:

Floors that appear slanted or feel uneven may indicate that the foundation is settling unevenly.

Sticking Doors and Windows:

Difficulty opening or closing doors and windows can result from frames becoming misaligned due to foundation shifts.

Gaps Between Walls and Ceilings or Floors:

Separation at the junctions of walls and ceilings or floors can signal structural movement.

Exterior Warning Signs of Foundation Problems

Spot the signs early—before small cracks turn into major problems.

Cracks in the Foundation or Exterior Walls:

Large, noticeable cracks in the foundation or exterior walls can be a clear indication of foundation issues.

Gaps Around Exterior Windows and Doors:

Spaces between window or door frames and the surrounding walls suggest that the foundation may have shifted.

Separation Between Attached Structures:

If porches, decks, or garages seem to be detaching from the main house, it could indicate foundation movement.

Leaning or Tilting Chimney:

A chimney that appears to be pulling away from the house is a serious sign of foundation instability.

Other Warning Signs to Watch For

Address additional indicators that may not be immediately associated with foundation issues but are important to recognize.

Frequent Plumbing Leaks or Drain Backups:

Unexplained plumbing issues can arise from pipes being affected by foundation shifts.

Nail Pops in Drywall:

The emergence of nails pushing through drywall may result from walls moving

FAQs That Get to the Bottom of Wall Cracks

1. What is soil grading and why is it important?

Soil grading is the process of leveling or sloping the ground around your home or building to ensure proper water drainage. It helps prevent water from pooling near your foundation, which can lead to structural issues and basement flooding.

2. How do I know if my property needs soil grading?

3. Can improper soil grading affect my foundation?

4. Is soil grading a one-time job or does it require maintenance?

While grading is typically a one-time project, it may require periodic maintenance due to soil settling, erosion, or landscaping changes over time.

5. How long does the soil grading process take?