05-08-2016, 08:38 PM
I'm building a deck/patio (yes I know the risks, yes I've done it before, and it lasted for 25 years). My home is properly graded and I have never had any moisture problems. This is going in the back, where the grade slopes in two directions. If water pooled against the foundation, it would be below the slab.
I did (and do) have to excavate to make room for the footings. At most, it's about 7 inches of soil. My plan is to have a "straight" grade away from the house for the excavated area - the deck will be about 12'x40', so it should be something like two inches of slope from the house to the rim joist.
I don't want any water problems. There is already corrugated drain pipe around the foundation, but I still plan to grade it away. Does it matter if I don't follow the existing grade? I assume not as long as the drainage direction is away from the foundation (even if it does deviate from the present slope). Also, how much leeway do I have given that I already have a drain installed?
I did (and do) have to excavate to make room for the footings. At most, it's about 7 inches of soil. My plan is to have a "straight" grade away from the house for the excavated area - the deck will be about 12'x40', so it should be something like two inches of slope from the house to the rim joist.
I don't want any water problems. There is already corrugated drain pipe around the foundation, but I still plan to grade it away. Does it matter if I don't follow the existing grade? I assume not as long as the drainage direction is away from the foundation (even if it does deviate from the present slope). Also, how much leeway do I have given that I already have a drain installed?