Site, Grounds, Grading
The first thing that you or the inspector sees is the area around the home or the site. You’ll notice the condition of the grounds, the trees, bushes, other vegetation. Everything good? What might be bad? Are there trees that are dead, have dead branches, or are leaning over and could come down with a strong wind? I have noticed in many of the inspections that there is usually one or more trees too close to the house, and in many cases already causing problems with the foundation, and the siding and roof. CUT THEM DOWN! I’ve also noticed many bushes too close to the house which blocks air movement, causing a lot of moisture build-up on the siding. Bushes, flowers should be cut back at least a foot from the house in order to help the siding and the home.
Next look at the grade of the grounds. Ideally, all of the grounds should angle away from the house to force water from entering the home. In many locations, you can’t help not to get water under the house due to the land in the area. But do what you can in order to help the house by moving as much water away from the house as you can. Drainage with pipes buried slightly below the ground can make a big difference in directing water away.
Grade and Wet Soil: One of the most common causes of wet basements, crawlspaces and slabs is incorrect grading. The ground around the foundation should slope away from the house. A drop of six inches over six feet is recommended as a minimum. Patios that slope toward the foundation create serious water penetration problems. Incorrect grades that channel water toward the house are a major cause of structural damage. The soil can become so wet that its load-bearing ability is reduced. During freezing weather, water in the soil expands as It freezes and can crack or heave foundations. The importance of good drainage, and / or grades that slope away from the foundation, cannot be emphasized too strongly.
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