Stones or
Clay is best, as it will shed water and can be shaped to carry water away from the building, but in a few years, and a few years after that, you will need to top up the area around the building to maintain positive drainage after settling.
Non-woven geotextile fabric is the best choice for drainage applications where water flow through (permeability) is the main concern.
It kind of depends on the type of rock or mulch, how thick you lay it on, etc. But, weeds can come up through either. Rock is more expensive but is basically permanent; mulch, you have to redo every year or so. Depending on where you live, you might end up with more bugs, if you have mulch.
The best materials to landscape around a foundation will inhibit weed growth, provide a proper water drainage system, and won't attract pests. With years of landscaping experience, we have determined that the four best landscaping materials around the foundation are gravel, rubber mulch, concrete, and brick masonry.
Grading drainage is one of the most efficient ways of providing drainage around a home's foundation. Grading drainage involves creating a slope around the perimeter of your home that leads water away from its foundation.
Fewer pests: Because mulch is made of wood, it tends to attract pets, some of which can wreak havoc on your house; termites, for example. Conversely, with rocks, there's no need to worry about pests, because it doesn't attract bugs or insects.
The best way to prevent water damage on your home's foundation is to improve the drainage system. This can be done by grading the soil around your home using dirt. By adding dirt around a foundation, the water will flow away from your house, preventing moisture buildup and water damage.
Gutters and downspouts work together to keep excess water away from your foundation. Water is directed through the gutters and into the downspouts where they will be drained at ground level. With the help of downspout extensions, this water can be drained at least 10 feet away from the foundation.
The Best Rock to Use for Drainage
Picking the right one ensures your home's foundation remains secure and dry. Crushed Stone: Crushed stone is a top contender because it offers excellent drainage thanks to its angular shape and varied sizes. It locks together, creating a firm yet permeable layer.
It improves drainage and controls erosion. It is a great rodent deterrent because it takes away the ability of rodents to dig through your garden. Additionally, using pea gravel around the base of your home helps keep the mice, chipmunk, and moles out.
For small gaps, you can use caulk or expanding foam. Apply the material to the gap and allow it to dry for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. This method is ideal for gaps that are less than ½ inch wide. You may need to use a concrete patching compound for larger or more significant gaps.
Rocks work best for homes with ponding issues as they facilitate water drainage. Weeds aren't likely to grow on them when the cooler weather sets in. Drainage: Unlike mulch, pebbles do not absorb moisture, allowing water to drain away from your home's foundation.
If you want to avoid termites at home, you can use essential oils, such as cinnamon oil, clove bud oil, or the famous tea tree oil. To use them properly, all you have to do is to fill them in a mist sprayer and spray on the damaged areas to repel termites.
Minimize the likelihood of cracks in the concrete. Install metal mesh or sand/basalt termite barriers around the foundation. Seal around all utilities that go through the slab. Use termite-resistant construction materials.
When there has been no rain, it is very important to water your concrete foundation. Dry foundations can cause cracks in walls, doors shifting or won't close or stick when you try to open them. The trick to avoiding a shifting foundation is to keep the perimeter of the foundation evenly moist.
One of the keys to keeping a home dry is to establish a top-of-the-line drainage system. When it comes to basement drainage, in particular, a drain tile system is of utmost importance. The cost of this installation varies, generally ranging between $8,000 and $15,000 for the whole home.
Pea gravel is one of the best materials for landscape drainage because its small size allows for outstanding drainage. These rocks are only about ¾ inches in size. Pea gravel is available in a variety of shades, including brown, grey, blue, and red, making it a good choice for a number of different landscapes.
Loam – Loam is the ideal soil type: typically it's a combination of sand, silt and clay. It is dark in color and soft, dry and crumbly to the touch.
Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
Another bonus is that it is common and considered one of the cheapest ground covering plants. This is a deer- and rabbit-resistant ground cover that is ideal for large swaths of landscape. Pachysandra are aggressive and fast-spreading coverings that grow underground with runners.
What Soil is Best for Backfill? The coarse-grained soil is the most popular option. It is a blend of gravel, sandy soil, and just enough fine materials. You want soil that will allow for proper drainage and will not expand or contract too much with changes in moisture.