Improper Slope

Do you have issues with water flowing toward instead of away from your house? Do you get water in your basement? The cause could be improper slope around your house.

If water doesn't flow away easily from the house, it will pool in areas causing damage to foundation walls and possibly leading to the water leaking into basements. The pooling water can also cause slippery spots--moss in the summer and ice in the winter.

The recommened slope for driveways or other non-permeable surfaces is a ratio of 48:1. For the yard or a permeable surface the recommended slope is 12:1.

A few indications that a driveway is sloping toward the house include water stains, moss, or breaking of the concrete near where water usually builds up.