The Importance of Proper Land Grading During a Residential Construction Project

Construction projects involve multiple stages of earthwork, from land grading to major excavation and final smoothing. Land grading is a significant step in the construction of a residential structure. It involves levelling the ground to create a flat landscape free of elevation. When grading is done poorly, the final product can vary significantly from the architectural plans. Thus, it should not be treated as a do-it-yourself project. Below are three ways proper land grading can impact the outcome of a residential construction project.

Prepares a sturdy base for the foundation

Proper land grading prepares the soil for the structure's foundation and protects the building from structural weaknesses. Poor grading may lead to improper load distribution in the load-bearing columns, causing structural issues such as cracking and settling. Furthermore, improper grading also increases the risk of soil erosion, which can weaken shallow foundations and cause costly damage to the building. 

Ensures proper drainage

One of the greatest causes of foundation damage is poor drainage. Drainage issues usually arise due to improper grading of the land at the site preparation stage. Ideally, the lot should be levelled in such a way that water flows away from the foundation. If the land slopes inwards towards the building, moisture will drain towards the foundation. This causes hydrostatic pressure, whereby the water pushes against the foundation.

With a concrete foundation, the pressure from the water can cause cracks in the concrete. Over time, water seeps into the cracks and exerts more pressure on the concrete, extending the cracks. Proper grading protects a structure's foundation from water damage by channelling water away from the building. Grading should account for the permeability of the soil. For example, if the soil has high water retention properties, more grading is required to facilitate effective drainage.

Protects structure from settling and sinking

Earthwork isn't just about levelling and excavating the ground to prepare it for construction. It also involves compacting the soil whenever necessary. Proper soil compaction prevents the ground from shifting once the structure is already in place. Shifting and settling are common with soft soils and clay soils.

If one section of the structure settles, it will stress the other load-bearing walls, leading to foundation cracks. Thus, before commencing earthwork, your contractor should assess the soil's properties and composition. If the property has soft soil or clay soil, proper compaction should be carried out to stabilise the soil and prevent settling.

Land grading is an intensive project that requires earthmoving equipment and advanced construction experience. Thus, it's advisable to leave it to the professionals. A construction contractor can design and execute professional land grading plans to boost the outcome of your project.