QuestionQUESTION: I recently improved the grade against the back of my house to reduce some leakage in my basement, by mounding dirt up 12" and out about 10". My question is what to put on top of this new grade? Stone, groundcover, mulch, shrubs?
ANSWER: Hello,
I would not recommend placing any kind of organic mulch near your house wall. Organic mulch can attract termites and other insects.
Shrubs suited for use near foundation walls,stone or groundcover would all be fine. Use whatever appeals to you.
I would question whether a slope with a run of only 10 inches would be effective. The seepage perimeter around a foundation wall is usually about 3 feet. Water will run off the steeper, shorter run slope faster,but what about the remaining ground around the foundation. Since the slope is bare ground,some seepage may still occur.
A better solution would be some type of impermeable material,such as concrete,pavers set in mortar or stone set in mortar, taken out to at least 3 feet. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.
Mark Harshman
http://www.harshmandrafting.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Mark. I mistyped. Actually it's a 10 foot run with a 12 inch rise. I will consider pavers out for the first 3 feet.
AnswerHello,
What you have done may solve your problem. Impermeable aprons are pretty good when alot of water is coming in,but of course some people may not prefer this. The amount of seepage depends on the permeability of the soil. A loose loam will allow more leakage than a packed clay loam or sand loam. A high clay soil will prevent more leakage. This is called a clay cap. A clay cap is still semi-permeable. Some plantings may not do well in clay soil however.
If you continue to have seepage,you may also want to consider a plastic liner placed around your wall. This can be placed underground and plantings can then be placed on top. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.
Mark Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email:
[email protected]
http://www.scribd.com/markscrib47
