Foundation Backfill for Your New Home: 4 Things To Consider

Now that you finally decided to create a home in Arizona, there are a lot of things to do as you start your new life! That includes a lot of processes, starting with a foundation backfill.

Did you know that backfilling a foundation for your new home requires a lot of attention and precision to do? The purpose of backfilling is to provide support for the foundation and the structure built on top of it. The backfill material helps to distribute the weight of the structure evenly and prevents the foundation from settling or sinking. 

Excited to learn more about it? Read on!

What is Backfilling?

Foundation backfilling is the process of filling in the area around and under the foundation of a building with material such as soil or gravel. This is typically done after the foundation has been constructed, and is done to provide stability and support for the foundation and the building it supports. Backfilling also helps to prevent water and other moisture from accumulating around the foundation, which can cause damage over time.

What Should You Consider Before Backfilling Your Home?

There are several things that you should consider when backfilling a foundation:

1. Backfill material

Different types of backfill materials, such as gravel, crushed stone, and flowable fill, have different properties and may be more suitable for different types of projects. You should choose a backfill material that is appropriate for your specific needs and will provide adequate support for the structure.

2. Drainage system

Proper drainage is important to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation and causing damage. Make sure to consider the drainage needs of the project when selecting a backfill material and during the backfilling process.

[Related: Why Is Drainage Backfill Important?]

3. Protective measures

Depending on the specific needs of the project, you may need to take certain protective measures when backfilling. For example, you may need to use a moisture barrier to protect the foundation from water damage, or you may need to protect underground utilities from damage or disruption.

4. Environmental considerations

It is important to consider the potential environmental impacts of the backfilling process, particularly if you are using a material that could be harmful to plants or wildlife.

The Foundation Backfill Process for Your New Home

Cure the Foundation Wall

There are instances wherein cracked and sinking foundation walls can happen if you don’t wait long enough to cure it. Before the backfill material is added, you have to wait at least 5 to 7 days for your foundation wall to cure up.

Clean the Area

It is important to clean the site before foundation backfilling for several reasons. First, removing debris and other materials from the site can help to prevent them from interfering with the backfilling process. This can make it easier to fill in the area around the foundation evenly and compact the backfill material properly.

[Related: Clearing Land To Build A House: What You Need To Know]

Choose Your Backfill Material

There are several types of backfill material that you can use for your foundation backfill. Your choices are a mixture of rocks, stones, and soil. If you’re using excavated soil from the site, make sure that it takes up the characteristics of sandy soil with some gravel.

If the natural soil from the excavated site contains organic material and clay, it might seep up moisture on your backfill. When the backfill becomes damp, the undisturbed soil swells and may exert lateral pressure along the foundation, and this is known to be the clay bowl effect. Make sure to consult your contractor for the correct backfill soil material.

[Related: The Cost Of Trenching And Backfilling In Arizona]

Let the Backfill Process Begin!

Begin filling the excavation with backfill material, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Continue filling the excavation with backfill material until it is level with the top of the foundation.

Compact the backfill material using a hand tamp or gas-powered compactor to ensure that it is adequately compacted and stable. Finish the backfill by adding a layer of topsoil on top of the compacted backfill material.

Let’s Make Your House Foundation Stronger Today!

Specialty Grading can help you with high-quality workmanship in backfilling, excavation, and grading services. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we make every home stronger to last a lifetime. Give us a call today!