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  1. #1
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    Default Grading and drainage requirments

    We always give advice about grading away from a structure “one inch per foot for the first ten feet” or the like, but I just realized that beyond common sense I don't have a cite for the requirement. Is in the IRC, or is it some sort of standard from civil engineering, or what?

    Ditto for 6' on downspout discharge from structure.

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    Michael Thomas
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Michael,
    I'll bite.

    IRC 2003 R202 Definitions Grade Plane-------------------------Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls,----------------------------------------------.

    Also: IRC 2003 R401.3 Drainage.----------------------------------The grade away from the foundation shall fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10 feet.

    Last edited by Billy Stephens; 12-11-2007 at 04:56 PM. Reason: R401.3 added
    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
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  3. #3
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Thanks.

    Now, about the downspouts being 6' out...

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Also, I've got this in my notes, but from where?

    "The final grade should provide a minimum slope of one-half unit vertical in 12 units horizontal for a minimum of 6 feet from the home"

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Thomas View Post
    Also, I've got this in my notes, but from where?

    "The final grade should provide a minimum slope of one-half unit vertical in 12 units horizontal for a minimum of 6 feet from the home"

    IRC 2003 R202 Grade Plane


    Gutters? Anyone? 6 ft Requirement.
    .
    .
    .


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    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    This is what proper gutter extensions should look like.

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    Jerry McCarthy
    Building Code/ Construction Consultant

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirements

    In Florida the gutter/downspout discharge is required to be at least 12 inches from the foundation wall/slab edge.

    Don't know of anything in the IRC.

    The purpose is to get the discharging water out past the termite treatment area.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirements

    Jerry Mc.,

    Those are just 'outdoor showers'.

    http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i...extension2.jpg

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
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  9. #9
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy View Post
    This is what proper gutter extensions should look like.
    Jerry Mc.,

    I hope you wrote up the Improper Clearance from the Ground on that front Siding.

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    R801.3 (NJ edition)

    Roof drainage. In areas where expansive or collapsible soils are known to exist, all dwellings shall have a controlled method of water disposal from roofs that will collect and discharge roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system.


    Darren

    New Jersey Home Inspection - About the House!

    Last edited by Darren Miller; 12-12-2007 at 05:50 AM. Reason: spelling

  11. #11
    Aaron Miller's Avatar
    Aaron Miller Guest

    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Michael:

    The 6" drop in the first 10' out from the foundation perimeter is also a HUD requirement. Additionally, if the foundation is a slab-on-grade, it is a Post-Tensioning Institute requirement. And finally, if this is a new home covered by a warranty or one where the foundation has been repaired and is under warranty, the warranty validity is dependent upon the owner's adherence with this drainage provision.

    Aaron


  12. #12
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Aaron,

    Your on the money about the home warranty. I had a PC customer who had filed a claim against the builder / and the home warranty for foundation movement.

    As soon as the warranty people came out, they told her she had added those stackable stones around the shrub bed which obstructed the drainage, therefore the warranty was void. According to them, no changes should be made to the original grading whatsoever to keep such a warranty in place.

    rick


  13. #13
    Richard Rushing's Avatar
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Those same warranty folks will deny a claim if you add shrubs or plant trees. Again, these "Warranty" companies are in business to *make* money, not give it away. They will do what ever necessary to drop a claim.

    Rich


  14. #14
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Quote Originally Posted by Darren Miller View Post
    R801.3 (NJ edition)

    Roof drainage. In areas where expansive or collapsible soils are known to exist, all dwellings shall have a controlled method of water disposal from roofs that will collect and discharge roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system.


    Darren

    New Jersey Home Inspection - About the House!
    Bingo Thanks Darren,

    Also in IRC 2003 R801.3


    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  15. #15
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    Default Re: Grading and drainage requirments

    Jerry Mc,

    Nice personal pic. Much more flattering than the last one. Of course, the same could be said about mine...

    Department of Redundancy Department
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