We're trying to prevent water seeping into the ground and pooling up against the house. Which of these options would be better underneath gravel for this purpose? Bottom section is concrete sloping down to the road, top section will be turf.
by Marsbe125
4 Comments
What’s the aim here? Shed water or try to avoid flooding?
I would ensure a positive slope away from your house, then put down brown corrugated cardboard as a weed barrier (far more effective than weed cloth) then cover that with washed river rock or pea gravel.
The slope of the dirt will determine most of what happens here.
Do NOT put a plastic sheet down unless you want problems.
I should mention that there’s a french drain where the turf will be.
Something impermeable like plastic tends to create larger problems. You may end up trapping water underneath and forcing moisture in towards the house. You would likely risk ponding anywhere the slope was imperfect, and can create some nasty mold / fungus issues.
The beauty of a permeable barrier is that it can dry out but sheds most water. That’s one reason to use cardboard, it eventually breaks down but establishes a draining condition first. I have used it with washed river rock on a maintenance strip around a house previously with great success.
Your soil will also determine how much water this area can handle. Lots of sand = good, clay means you really have to shed it with slope.
Plastic will block water completely, which can trap it and cause runoff toward the house. Weed mat lets water drain through but stops weeds. If the goal is drainage + protection, go weed mat + gravel, and add a proper drain channel or French drain if water is pooling at the foundation.