Site, Foundation, and Drainage

Compaction is packing soil so it is dense and stable.

Concrete cover is the concrete thickness between the surface and the steel reinforcement.

Concrete curing is the process of keeping concrete moist and protected as it gains strength.

A control joint is a planned weak line in concrete that encourages cracks to form in a predictable place.

The cove joint is the seam where a basement wall meets the slab floor.

A crawlspace is a shallow space under a home that provides access to structure and utilities.

Dampproofing is a basic coating on foundation walls that resists moisture but is not full waterproofing.

A downspout extension carries roof water farther away from the foundation.

Drain tile is a perforated pipe around the foundation that collects groundwater and carries it away.

Final grading is the precise shaping of the land after construction to create proper drainage slopes and prepare for landscaping.

A flood zone designation is a FEMA classification that indicates the level of flood risk for a specific area.

A footing is the wider base of concrete that spreads the house weight into the soil.

A foundation crack is a crack in concrete or masonry foundation walls or slabs.

A foundation drain is a perforated pipe around the foundation that collects groundwater and carries it away.

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater.

Frost depth is how deep the ground can freeze in winter.

Frost heave is when freezing soil expands and lifts concrete or structures.

Garage slab slope is the slight angle in the concrete that helps water drain out toward the overhead door or a drain.

A geotechnical report is a soil analysis that evaluates bearing capacity, soil composition, groundwater conditions, and foundation recommendations for a building site.

Grading is shaping the soil so water flows away from the foundation.

A grading plan is an engineering drawing that shows finished elevations and the intended drainage flow paths across the entire building site.

Hydrostatic pressure is the force of water pushing on a foundation when soil is saturated.

Moisture testing measures the water content in materials like concrete slabs, wood, or drywall.

A radon rough-in is piping placed under a slab so radon gas can be vented out if testing shows high radon later.

A radon test measures the level of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes from the ground.

Rebar is steel reinforcement placed in concrete to help it handle tension and reduce crack movement.

Rough grading is the initial shaping of the construction site to establish drainage patterns, set building pad elevation, and prepare for foundation work.

Settlement is when soil compresses and the structure sinks a little over time.

A shrinkage crack is a crack caused by concrete shrinking as it cures and dries.

Slab-on-grade is a concrete slab poured at ground level that acts as the floor and part of the foundation.

Soil bearing is how much weight the soil can support without compressing too much.

Spalling is when concrete flakes or breaks off, often due to freeze-thaw damage or rusting steel.

Spalling is when concrete flakes and breaks off, often from freeze-thaw cycles and de-icer salts.

A splash block is a small pad at the end of a downspout that spreads water out so it does not dig a trench.

A swale is a shallow, graded channel in the landscape that directs surface water flow away from structures to a safe discharge point.

A topographic survey is a detailed map showing elevation changes, contour lines, and natural features of the land.

A trench drain is a long drain channel in a floor that collects water and routes it away.

A vapor barrier is a plastic sheet under a slab that helps block ground moisture from moving into the concrete and into the home.

A walkout basement has at least one wall at grade level, allowing a full-size door directly to the outside.

Wire mesh is a grid of steel wires used to reinforce concrete slabs.