Foundation GRADING Services
in Long Island, NY

Grading around a foundation means shaping the soil so it slopes away from your home. At Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing, we create a gentle slope that directs water away to prevent pooling and pressure against your foundation walls.

Foundation grade refers to the level of soil around your home’s base. A proper grade slopes away from the structure to keep water moving away, not toward, your foundation.

Your foundation should sit at least 6 to 8 inches above the finished grade. This helps prevent water splashback and keeps moisture from creeping into the structure.

You can try, but getting the slope right isn’t always easy without the right tools or know-how. Improper grading can make drainage worse, so it’s often worth trusting our pros to get it done right the first time.

Basic tools include a shovel, rake, wheelbarrow, and a level, but for larger or more complex areas, you’ll need heavier equipment like a skid steer or grading tractor. At Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing, we bring all the tools and experience needed to handle the job quickly and cleanly.

Yes improper grading can cause water to flow toward the foundation instead of away from it. Over time, this can lead to basement leaks, moisture buildup, and even foundation damage, especially during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

Common signs include water pooling near the foundation, soil erosion, or mulch washing away after rain. If your lawn seems to slope toward the house rather than away, or if your basement has damp spots after storms, poor grading could be the issue.

Yes, regrading the soil around your home can redirect surface water away from the structure, reducing or eliminating pooling issues. This helps protect your foundation and makes your yard safer and more functional during wet conditions.

Clay-based soil or compactable fill dirt is ideal for foundation grading. These materials help create a firm, water-resistant slope. Loose or sandy soils are less effective because they allow water to penetrate too easily and don’t hold their shape as well.

Absolutely. When water continually flows toward a foundation due to poor grading, it can lead to cracks, leaks, soil shifting, and structural weakening. Early grading corrections are often more cost-effective than repairing foundation damage down the line.