Common Issues Found With Grounds Around Your Home

Maintaining a home goes beyond the walls and roof; it extends to the grounds surrounding it. The landscape plays a crucial role in protecting your property from various environmental factors and ensuring the longevity of your home. However, there are common issues found with grounds around your home that can arise and may lead to serious problems if left unaddressed.

Here, we will explore some common issues found with grounds around your home, including insufficient grading, negative grading, vegetation contacting the home, trees in contact with service wires, and missing window wells for basement windows at grade.

Insufficient Grading

One of the most critical aspects of a home’s exterior is the grading of the land. It’s also one of the most common issues found with grounds around your home. Proper grading directs water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of water intrusion and structural damage. Insufficient grading occurs when the slope is too flat or not sloped correctly, allowing water to pool near the foundation. This stagnation can lead to flooding in basements, mold growth, and soil erosion around the foundation, ultimately threatening the stability of the home.

To remedy insufficient grading, homeowners can regrade the soil to create a slope that directs water away from the house. This can involve adding soil to create a berm or leveling out areas that have become uneven over time. Regular inspection of the grading, particularly after heavy rains, can help identify and rectify issues early.

Negative Grading

Even worse than insufficient grading is negative grading, where the ground slopes toward the home instead of away from it. This condition is even more hazardous than insufficient grading because it actively encourages water to flow toward the foundation. Negative grading can lead to severe water intrusion issues, promoting mold growth and weakening the foundation’s integrity.

Addressing negative grading requires a more involved process. Homeowners may need to excavate soil from around the foundation and redistribute it to create a positive slope. Installing drainage systems, such as French drains, can also help manage excess water and prevent it from pooling around the foundation.

Vegetation Contacting the Home

While landscaping can enhance a home’s curb appeal, it can also pose risks if not managed correctly. Vegetation that contacts the home, such as shrubs, vines, and trees, can trap moisture against the siding, leading to rot, mold, and pest infestations. Additionally, roots from nearby trees can undermine the foundation, causing structural issues over time.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to maintain a proper distance between plants and the home’s exterior. Homeowners should regularly prune and trim vegetation to prevent contact with the house. It’s also wise to choose landscaping plants less likely to cause damage, opting for species with shallow root systems and minimal moisture retention.

Trees in Contact with Service Wires

Trees can add beauty and shade to a property, but they can also create hazards when their branches come into contact with overhead service wires. This situation can lead to power outages, interference with cable lines, and even pose fire risks if branches cause arcing in electrical lines. Moreover, strong winds can exacerbate the risk of falling branches, leading to costly repairs and safety concerns.

Regular tree maintenance is essential to prevent these issues. Homeowners should trim trees and monitor their growth to ensure they remain a safe distance from service wires. If tree branches are too close for comfort, consulting a professional arborist may be necessary to evaluate the situation and provide appropriate solutions.

Missing Window Wells with Basement Windows at Grade

For homes with basements, window wells are vital for ensuring proper drainage and preventing water from entering the basement through window openings. Missing or improperly maintained window wells can lead to significant issues, especially in areas with basement windows at or below grade level. Without adequate wells, rainwater can pool around the windows, leading to leaks, mold, and water damage.

To address this issue, homeowners should install window wells that are deep enough to divert water away from the basement windows. It’s also essential to regularly check and clear any debris from the wells to ensure they function correctly. Installing grates can help keep leaves and other materials out while allowing water to drain properly.

Conclusion

Maintaining the grounds around your home is as crucial as caring for its interior. Addressing common issues such as insufficient grading, negative grading, vegetation contacting the home, trees in contact with service wires, and missing window wells can save homeowners from costly repairs and protect their investments.

Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can help identify and rectify these problems before they escalate into more severe issues. By taking the time to care for the exterior of your home, you can create a safe and attractive environment that stands the test of time. As a homeowner, you can rest assured that as part of our inspection routine, we will find any of the common issues found with grounds around your home and make recommendations on how to address them.

Click here to schedule an inspection and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that we’ll find what you need to know.