Yard grading is important in a number of ways for every property owner whether it is the home or business space. Yard grading is done to prepare the land for any project such as landscaping, construction of an outdoor area, or creating a new driveway. However, one essential reason for the grading is to correct or build a drainage system. A bad drainage system can highly destroy the foundation of your property, and this is usually done by creating a slope so that water flows away from your structures. While many DIY techniques can be followed, it is still best to hire your local excavation Newcastle professionals for effective and efficient yard grading. Moreover, these professionals are licensed, trained and highly qualified to take on any excavation project even the most complicated ones. When you engage with excavation specialists, you will be assured that you will be getting a reliable service. In the meantime, read to learn some essential details on how to grade your yard for proper drainage.
Drainage structures have been used for thousands of years to keep people dry and improve living standards. They are built to manage the collection and conveyance of stormwater. Drainage structures play an essential role in the civilized world, giving us comfortable homes and transportation.
1. Inspect For Potential Problems
To make sure that you will not encounter problems during your yard grading project, it is best to inspect for potential pipe or water line issues. Some of your pipes may just be located right below the surface and they might certainly be damaged during the operation. Moreover, you have to look for wires and drains in your yard to ensure that they will not be damaged. In homes where a basement is constructed, It is also important to check the windows to make sure that soil will not prevent the light from coming in.
2. Plan Your Yard Grading Project
After a thorough inspection of your yard and basement window, the grading project takes an effort to be planned accordingly. Without planning, you may end up damaging your structures, at the same time, spend money for costly repairs or replacement. Likewise, if you are starting a yard grading project for your business property, it is always wise to seek the assistance of professional contractors because they can provide you with a better procedure and management plan.
3. Find The Slope Area In Your Yard
Having a drainage problem in your yard can be harmful to your landscape as well as to your structure, especially the basement. In the case of heavy rains, water may flow in the direction of your basement and may turn into standing water. Hence, finding the slope area in your yard will give you an idea of where the water’s direction is going. The high point is the starting line of water flowing in the wrong direction. On the other hand, the low point is the location where the water ends up.
4. Determine the level grade line
This is the step where you will establish the area that you want to level. Furthermore, you want to determine the grade line so that you will know how much grading you need to implement.
5. Order Dirt
Depending on how large your project is, you might want to order a truckload of dirt. In this case, you can easily have it delivered to your doorstep. However, if you don’t need a large pile of soil, you can buy a few bags from your nearest hardware store.
6. Dump The Dirt At Your Low Point Area
In dumping the dirt to the low point, use a shovel and a wheelbarrow. In this way, you can change the course of water away from your foundation. You should dump enough soil so that your low point area becomes your high point area.
7. Smooth The Dirt
Use the back of the rake to smooth the dirt, thereby, changing the angle of the slope. To achieve this, make sure that you work on your new high point carefully and slowly.
8. Stamp Down The Dirt
Stamp down the dirt so that it becomes compacted and every part of the area is filled up. To do this, use a sheet of plywood and place it on top of the soil and stamp heavily on it, creating a solid pile. However, you should not allow the soil to settle, or else you will end up having wet areas after the water runs through it.
9. Avoid Grading Too High
People think that grading too high can resolve issues on drainage, especially when the dirt is piled up on the sides of the home. However, this should be avoided at all times.
10. Plant New Grass
Once the yard has been properly graded, you now have the option to plant grass. Most people want to plant grass so that it would prevent the soil from erosion, and give beauty to the landscape.
Yard grading can be easy to handle, however, if you have a big yard and your property has complicated drainage, and a piping system, it is best to hire professional contractors to do the project for you. It will save you time and energy, and most importantly, it will keep your property safe.
