Worried about water damage wreaking havoc on your home?  

We get it.

At Natale Builders, we know how important protecting your house is to you because the homes we build are Forever Homes – the kind people dream of all their lives, strive to keep as perfect as they always imagined they’d be, and never, ever want to leave.

We’ve helped more than a few people realize such houses. Since Natale Builders was established in 1969, first with a focus on luxury custom homes, our family-owned construction business has set high standards that now extend to neighborhood homes.

But a home is more than a dream come true; it’s an investment, with great and growing financial as well as emotional value. And so, while Natale isn’t in the business of home water protection, the lasting connection we forge with the people whose homes we’re privileged to build isn’t something we take lightly – and it leads us to offer the following tips.

Understanding landscape grading

Protecting your home isn’t just about waterproofing it before rain; it’s about the grade of your land, too.  

Grade refers to the slope or angle of a piece of land. There are two types of grades:

• Positive grade

If your home sits at a higher point in your lawn, you’re on a positive grade. Water naturally flows away from your foundation, reducing hydrostatic pressure.

• Negative grade

A negatively graded yard places your home at a lower point, inviting water toward your foundation. This can lead to pooling and poor drainage, potentially damaging your home’s support.

Re-grading is adjusting your yard’s slope to direct water away from your home so that it stays drier and safer.

Spotting poor grading

Identifying poor grading isn’t always easy, but there are telltale signs to watch for, especially after rain:

• Spongy soil indicates excessive moisture absorption.
• Puddles reveal areas of poor drainage. ‍
• Mosquitoes thrive in standing water. ‍
• Dying landscaping suggests overexposure to water.

Ignoring poor grading can lead to significant property damage, including foundation issues and unwanted ponds in your yard.

Contractors to the rescue

Among the grading solutions you can use to protect your home are

• catch basins that divert water away from your home with drainage systems;
• gutters and downspouts that prevent water accumulation around your foundation; and
• foundation waterproofing that serves as an extra layer of protection.

With expert guidance, you can fortify your home against water damage and erosion, ensuring its longevity and structural integrity.

Proactive prevention

Whether you’re buying a pre-existing home or designing your dream house, proper yard-grading is non-negotiable; without it, your home is vulnerable to water woes.

To ensure effective yard-grading

• aim for a two- or three-inch drop per 10 feet away from your home;
• clear obstacles around your foundation; and
• stick to a regular maintenance schedule that keeps your yard’s grading in top shape.

While re-grading may disrupt local flora and fauna, protecting your home from water damage is paramount.

Tailoring your home design

If you’re building from scratch, consider these design modifications to complement yard-grading:

• Position your home on high ground.
• Extend drain lines away from your foundation.
• Install a gutter system that’s easy to maintain.
• Incorporate water-resistant flooring and furnishings.
• Install insulation and seal air ducts to minimize condensation.

By integrating these features, you can enhance your home’s resilience against water damage while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Take action today!

Don’t wait for water damage to strike; take proactive steps to safeguard your home.  

At Natale Builders, we know your home is precious to you and that protecting it is of paramount concern. Located in Western New York, we understand the unique challenges of our region and offer tailored solutions to protect your home. Contact us today, at 716-580-3318, and let’s fortify your home together!

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