Proper material for drainage

[russ]

I am going to add dirt of some kind to build up around my foundation to get better drainage away from the house. Is there a better material to use? I'll be adding as much as one foot of material in some areas. Ill be putting landscape fabric on top of this and then rock or mulch of some kind. Just not sure what to use as the "filler". Black dirt? clay? gravel?

[Surface Tension]

Its good that your getting that slope away from the house.

In my area I'd use pit run. Its cheap, binds well, and has good compaction.

[cavalierowner]

Frank, not sure what you mean by pit run, but if you are refering to a gravel that water will pass through relatively easily, then I would respecfully disagree with you. Here's why: if a free-draining material is placed on top of existing grade, then the water will pass through the new material and not move away from the house.

I maintain that you want a material that is at least somewhat impervious to water. Something with some clay content (not all clay) so the water moves away from the house.

[russ]

I too wondered what pit run was. But as he states it binds well and has good compaction, sounds like the proper material.

[jentz]

Pit run is whatever come directly out of the pit,Its not separated as a pile of gravel,sand,rock,clay etc. its straight out dug loaded and delivered.

All pit run is different in different areas of the state,depending on what the glaciers left some is lots of clay some sand some is loom where glaciers didn't move to.

If I were trying to move water away from a foundation I would use fill with a heavy clay content,as long as no sidewalks or concrete will be on top of it.Add 6inches black dirt and plant grass for looks and water absorption/evaporation

[Surface Tension]

"All pit run is different in different areas of the state,depending on what the glaciers left some is lots of clay some sand some is loom where glaciers didn't move to."

Yes thank you, that is why I said in my area and good binds well and good compaction.

Let you hauler or pit know what your looking to do and they'll get what you need.

[Down Deep]

I recommend visiting a landscape company and I find out what they use. Most of the landscapers around my locale sell bulk product. One of the best things you can do about water around the house is to put gutters and downspouts on the house.

[pureinsanity]

Dirt, dirt, and more dirt. Oh and PACK IT, Don't just walk on it, if you have something to drive on it, drive that on it. Rent a tamper, or use a hand tamper.

I see lots of people add up dirt but never pack it in, next thing you know it all sinks and you are left with the same problem.

If you are mulching id say use the fabric. if you rock, use black poly.

Keep in mind if you mulch you basically have to mulch ever year. If you rock it, all you have to really do is pick up rocks in the lawn occasionally.

Depending on your yard, I would go out at least a couple feet if not more the whole way around your house. Get some nice thick black poly and don't skimp on the plastic edging either. Get the thick heavy duty stuff.

Put the edging in first, poly in sections and add rock. Make sure you follow the slope of your yard. Make sure if you are heading down hill with the poly you tuck the next sheet in front of it under neath so the water keeps flowing down the poly not going under the sheets.

[russ]

Thanks for the info everyone.

[pureinsanity]

Thanks for the info everyone.

No problem, I did landscaping for several years, so if you have any more questions let me know.