Grading & Parging

Grading and parging serve important functions in maintaining the integrity of your home.

Function of Grading

Water Drainage: Grading involves sloping the clay around your home in a way that ensures proper drainage by directing water away from the foundation.

Preventing Erosion: It helps prevent soil erosion and minimizes the risk of water pooling near the foundation.

Foundation Protection: Proper grading protects against water intrusion through any vertical cracks or porous areas in your foundation.

Maintenance

Regular Inspection: Check the grading around your home regularly, especially during and after heavy rains, to ensure it remains effective.

Repair Low Spots: Fill in any low areas where water tends to pool with clay or fill dirt to maintain the correct slope.

Clear Debris: Keep the area around the foundation clear of debris, leaves, and vegetation that could obstruct drainage.

Fresh grading being completed around a home to slope soil away from the foundation for proper drainage.

Function of Parging

Foundation Protection: Parging is a thin coat of mortar applied to the above grade portion of a home’s foundation to protect it from weather, moisture, and surface deterioration while giving it a smoother, more finished appearance.

Maintenance

Visual Inspections: Check the parging regularly for cracks, flaking, or signs of damage.

Repair Cracks: If you notice cracks, fill them with a suitable patching compound designed for masonry.

Reapply as Needed: Over time, parging may need to be reapplied if it shows significant wear or damage.

Many foundation issues can be alleviated with small drainage and maintenance practices around your home. By properly maintaining both grading and parging, you can help protect your home from water damage.