Foundation Grading Service in Kansas City

Foundation Grading in Kansas City: Protect Your Foundation from Water Damage

Improper drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation problems—and often, it starts with the slope of your soil. Over time, water pooling near your home or building can lead to settling, cracking, leaks, and major structural damage.


At PolyMagic, we offer professional foundation grading services that ensure your property has the proper slope to move water away from the foundation and protect against long-term damage. Whether you're dealing with poor yard drainage, pooling water, or moisture in your basement, our foundation repair experts can help you correct the issue before it becomes a costly repair.

Why Foundation Grading Matters

When the land around your foundation slopes the wrong way—or doesn’t slope at all—rainwater, melting snow, and roof runoff have nowhere to go but straight toward your home. Over time, this creates hydrostatic pressure on your foundation walls, which can lead to:

  • Basement water leaks
  • Foundation cracks and shifting
  • Erosion around the footing
  • Mold and mildew problems
  • Unstable crawlspaces or lower levels
  • Premature wear on driveways and patios


Even newer homes can suffer from poor grading due to settling soil or improper landscaping. The longer these issues are left unaddressed, the more expensive the repairs can become.

What Does Proper Grading Look Like?

Grading isn’t just about making your yard look good—it’s about protecting your structure. According to the EPA and International Residential Code (IRC), your foundation needs:


  • A minimum slope of 6 inches over the first 10 feet away from the house (a 5% grade)
  • Patios, walkways, and driveways that slope away at ¼ inch per foot
  • Downspouts and roof runoff extended at least 3 feet from the foundation


These standards ensure that water drains away efficiently—helping prevent moisture buildup and costly structural issues. Homes in Missouri’s expansive clay soil areas especially benefit from strict grading standards due to soil movement and poor drainage characteristics.

A drawing of a road with measurements on a white background.
A drawing of a drain with the words worst little better and much better

Our Foundation Repair Process in Kansas City

At PolyMagic, we take a personalized and thorough approach to every grading project. Our process includes:

1

On-Site Evaluation

We begin with a detailed inspection of your property to assess slope, soil conditions, existing drainage paths, and signs of erosion or water intrusion.

2

Grading Assessment & Strategy

We determine the best way to regrade the land to meet proper slope guidelines. This may include reshaping existing soil, adding new soil (import fill), or cutting and redistributing earth.

3

Drainage Integration (If Needed)

In areas where regrading isn’t enough—such as low points or hardscaped surfaces—we may recommend adding French drains, catch basins, or underground piping to move water away from the foundation.

4

Downspout Evaluation & Extensions

We review your gutter system to ensure roof runoff isn’t contributing to foundation problems. If needed, we’ll reroute or extend downspouts to carry water away efficiently.

5

Final Grading & Cleanup

Once grading is complete, we compact the soil and smooth out the terrain to ensure proper slope and aesthetics. We leave the property clean, safe, and ready for landscaping.

Signs You May Need Foundation Grading

Wondering if improper grading is affecting your home or business? Here are a few signs to look for:

  • Water pooling near the foundation after rain
  • Wet spots or mildew smell in your basement or crawlspace
  • Soil pulling away from the foundation wall
  • Visible cracks in foundation or brickwork
  • Sloping floors inside the home
  • Standing water in your yard


If you’re seeing any of these red flags, schedule a free assessment with PolyMagic today.