Understanding your property’s slope is essential for proper drainage. The slope affects your property’s drainage and should be carefully considered when designing your yard. There are a few basic steps to follow to get the most effective drainage. These include: checking the local area codes, measuring the length of the drain line, and determining the shortest route.
It’s essential that you have proper drainage to avoid floods and other issues that can cause your property to become unusable. The following methods are commonly used to achieve this outcome:
Outsloping
Outsloping a property is a great way to create drainage. This type of land drainage is often used for roads and is especially useful for steep terrain. The side slope should be no higher than 40% to ensure proper drainage. However, it is important to consider how much water will accumulate in the ditches and what the proper road grade should be.
Outsloping works well on sloped land and on materials that are coarse-textured. Ideally, drainage areas should be well-rocked and vegetated. This method is particularly useful for steep roadway grades because it prevents water from moving from one area to another. For more information about how a sloped French drain can benefit your yard’s drainage efforts, give us a call today at (615) 257-1060 | (931) 536-1168.
Grading
If you’re thinking about making a land improvement that has not yet been done, grading your property slope is a great place to start. However, you must take a few steps to make sure you get the right grading. First, you need to measure the slope of your property. To do this, take a walk around your property and measure where the slope is high and low.
Next, determine whether your property is sloped enough to support the foundation. For example, if the property slope is too steep, it can cause your foundation to be weakened and deteriorate quickly. It’s best to get professional help in grading your property slope.
As always, we recommend acquiring a professional’s assessment of your property for the best possible and longest lasting results.
Protection From Erosion
A thick layer of rock on a property’s slope can keep the soil from washing away during heavy rain. Another option is erosion control blankets, which cover large areas of soil on a steep hillside. These are made of organic or synthetic materials. In addition to adding protection to the soil, erosion control blankets also help prevent vegetation from growing.
Using protective slopes is a key part of any property development. These slopes should be angled away from any building foundations, water supply wells, or waterways. The protective slopes should be at least two and a half inches steep and four feet away from property lines and building walls. Once the final grading is completed, all graded areas should be stabilized and permanently protected. A site plan should show where graded areas are located and the methods used to keep slopes stable.
Runoff Volume
The slope of a property is important for drainage purposes, because it helps control weather patterns and prevents water from pooling. If a property has a steep slope, runoff will flow downhill and away from the property’s foundation. To avoid such a situation, a proper slope must be designed.
Slope information can be obtained from topographic maps or soil surveys. You can also do a field investigation using a clinometer or Abney Level. In addition, property grading can refer to the modification of land that is required for construction. Expert land graders will carefully sculpt the earth surrounding the property to create an appropriate slope. This option is the most desirable for homeowners to invest in, for professional services provide the longest lasting results for your home.
Cost
There are a variety of ways to assess the cost of grading a property. A soil analysis test determines the quality of pre-existing soil and the correct fill dirt to use. The next step is laying topsoil. Topsoil is the organic layer of soil that is nutrient-rich. The cost of the topsoil you will need depends on the size of your property. Most grading contractors charge separate fees for topsoil and fill dirt. For example, you may need to purchase two cubic yards of topsoil to fill in an 81-square-foot area. Additional fees are often incurred if you decide to build a retaining wall.
You must also consider the type of property slope. The easiest and least expensive type of slope is a gentle slope, with a grade of less than 10%. A moderate slope with a 15% to 20% grade requires a foundation, while a steep slope of 20% or more requires extensive earth moving and soil stabilization. The steeper the slope, the more work it will require, as well as higher labor costs.
Checking Regularly
If you live in a wet climate, checking your property slope regularly is essential. Inefficient drainage can compromise the foundation of your house. In order to avoid this, slope your property at a proper angle. This will help water runoff away from your property and prevent flooding. Many properties will install gutters for this purpose.
In addition to maintaining the drainage system, you need to check for vegetation growth. If you see excessive vegetation on your property, then it is a sign that you need to take steps to control it. Vegetation growth on your property can lead to erosion. If you notice any damage, take immediate action. Check the slope for seepages to determine the source of the problem. If you notice any, you should consider installing gravel mulch or subsurface drains.
How To Achieve The Fastest and Most Effective Results
Simply give BARRIER Waterproofing Systems a call today! Our team of professionals can assess and install any drainage systems your property may need to remove the water it needs to remove. Choose our experts to help with your property slope needs and you won’t be disappointed.
