Grading & Slope Around Your Foundation
Before any drain or gutter, there’s grade. The slope of the soil around your home decides whether water runs away or pools against the slab.
The target slope
Soil should fall away from the foundation roughly 6 inches over the first 10 feet. Flat or reverse grade sends water toward the slab — the opposite of what you want.
Fixing negative grade
Re-establishing positive slope, building swales, and correcting settled backfill are core grading and erosion-control tasks.
Pair it up
Grading works with drainage and gutters; where the slab has already moved, add steel-pier repair. Common on older San Antonio lots.
- Aim for ~6 in of fall over the first 10 ft.
- Flat or reverse grade pools water at the slab.
- Grading pairs with drainage and gutters.
Not sure how serious it is?
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Book my inspectionFrequently asked
How do I know if my grade is wrong?
Can landscaping fix grade?
Related guides
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