Why High Soil Levels Could Be Destroying Your Home—And How to Stop It
Your home’s foundation is the backbone of the structural system. It carries a lot of weight and has a constant fight against the forces against it. We like to believe that it’s strong and unshakable. Other articles in our Pro Tips library have discussed the relationship between site drainage and foundation performance. But one often overlooked threat to its integrity is the very ground on which it sits and is surrounded by. When the soil is too high against the foundation of your home, it can trap moisture and slowly wreak havoc. That can result in mold, rot, and costly repairs. Let’s dive into how moisture sneaks its way in, what damage it can cause, and the simple steps you can take to protect your home.
How Did We Get In This Predicament?
The builder had an obligation to follow the rules regarding high soil when your house was being built. Building codes set specific requirements for drainage and clearances to protect structures from moisture damage. Building codes for drainage mandate that the ground around the home should be graded to slope away from the structure to prevent water pooling. Here’s what codes generally say about clearances between grade and brick or siding.
- Masonry: Typically, building codes require a minimum clearance of 4 inches between the finished grade and brick veneer, stucco and other masonry to prevent moisture wicking into the structure.
- Wood or Fiber Cement Siding: A minimum clearance of 6 inches is often required between the soil and siding to prevent rot and decay.
Building codes matter. These regulations help prevent water damage, mold growth, and structural deterioration. Ignoring them can lead to costly repairs and even code violations. Not all, but most builders do a pretty good job of delivering the house to the buyer with adequate clearances. That changes somewhere down the line. Usually when the homeowner decides to add planting beds or changes the drainage scheme. They don’t do it on purpose. They’re simply not educated in home maintenance. The Wildcat Inspections Team believes that education is part of our job, and all homeowners can benefit from that knowledge. After all, that’s why you’re here reading this, right?
The Sneaky Way Moisture Wicks Through Concrete
Concrete may seem tough, but it’s secretly a moisture magnet. Thanks to its porous nature, water can creep in through tiny openings and travel upward through a process called capillary action. It’s like how a paper towel soaks up a spill. When high soil is wet and sits against the foundation, moisture continuously seeps through, finding its way into your home. That excess moisture is a recipe for disaster. It can lead to increased humidity levels inside your home, water stains, damaged flooring, and even mold growth.
The Ugly Side of Moisture Damage
If left unchecked, moisture intrusion can cause:
- Foundation Cracks: Constant moisture weakens concrete, causing it to split and compromise the home’s stability.
- Mold & Mildew: Dampness creates the perfect breeding ground for harmful mold, affecting both your air quality and health.
- Wood Rot & Structural Issues: Moisture can seep into framing materials, leading to warped floors, wet carpet, deteriorating walls, and even structural failures.
How to Stop Moisture Damage Caused By High Soil Before It Starts
The good news? You can easily safeguard your foundation with a few proactive steps:
- Lower the Soil Level: Make sure the dirt around your home stays at least 6 inches below the siding and 4 inches below masonry cladding. That will prevent moisture accumulation and provide a drying space before it gets to the flooring or inside the walls.
- Slope Soil Away from Your Home: Even a gentle slope encourages rainwater to drain outward instead of pooling near the foundation. Shoot for a drop of 6 inches in the first 10 feet.
- Improve Drainage: Installing an underground drainage system or strategic landscaping can keep excess water away. Make sure the drain inlets are at least 5 feet from the foundation.
- Maintain Gutters & Downspouts: Functional gutters ensure rainwater is directed well away from your home, reducing soil saturation.
High soil levels might not seem like a big deal. That is, until they start causing damage to the home you work so hard to keep. That’s why TREC lists grade as one of the many things the inspector is required to check. With a little effort, you can keep your home safe, dry, and standing strong for years to come. So, grab a shovel and give your foundation and the superstructure it’s straining to support a fighting chance.
Let us know if you want to set up an appointment for one of our many services, need some advice about your home or just want to chat. We’re just a phone call away, seriously.
