A lot shall be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls for a minimum distance of how many feet?

A lot shall be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls for a minimum distance of how many feet?

• A. 5
• B. 10
• C. 8
• D. 6

Answer: (B)

Directing surface water away from the foundation is essential to protect the foundation and interior spaces from moisture and damage. Extending the graded area at least ten feet from the wall creates a sufficient buffer where runoff is carried away, reducing the chance of water pooling against the foundation, lowering hydrostatic pressure on basement walls, and helping prevent dampness, cracking, and insect problems. The other distances are too short to provide that protective buffer, so ten feet is the standard minimum in many building practices. The grade should also slope away from the wall as it extends.

Directing surface water away from the foundation is essential to protect the foundation and interior spaces from moisture and damage. Extending the graded area at least ten feet from the wall creates a sufficient buffer where runoff is carried away, reducing the chance of water pooling against the foundation, lowering hydrostatic pressure on basement walls, and helping prevent dampness, cracking, and insect problems. The other distances are too short to provide that protective buffer, so ten feet is the standard minimum in many building practices. The grade should also slope away from the wall as it extends.