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Improper property grading or drainage is a problem frequently found by home inspectors.  Improper water drainage can lead to significant damage to your home.  Water and excess moisture cause water penetration into basements or crawlspaces, which can have a devastating impact on the structure.  The type of damage may be from excess moisture causing damage to wood, signs of rot or fungus, and soil related settlement, upheaval, lateral pressures, etc.

The cause of the problem can be due to the manner in which the property was originally sited and graded, or it may have occurred later as a result of the homeowner's or a neighbors actions.  An inspection can discover these type of problems, and the home inspector can help the homeowner understand the severity of the problem.

Foundation issues can occur when the backfill soil  was not properly compacted or only moderately compacted. Improperly compacted soils will settle over time under their own weight, and more quickly if they become wet or saturated. This results in depressions around the foundation that trap water and cause additional soil settlement. Depending on how the soil was compacted, settlement issues may occur slowly over several years, but eventually, the foundation will show signs of movement.

To improve drainage and prevent damage to your home, here are some keys actions you should do:

• Install or update roof gutters and downspouts.
• Evaluate water flow around the property and have the lot re-graded to better channel water away from the house.
• Keep exterior walls free from wood piles, or other large objects that may trap moisture or hold water.
• Monitor and inspect basements and crawl spaces for indications of water penetration, such as mildew and mold.
• Test areas in your basement and crawl spaces with the appropriate equipment to measure moisture content.