Gravel or concrete for side yards…lots of rain (back yard, weeds, north)

[Tealcup]

I have a new house with long skinny side yards. The builder put gravel on one side and we haven’t dirt on the other. I am in the Pacing North West so rain is 3 or 4 times a week in certain months. I am considering gravel but worry about the foundation. Should I do concrete on both sides?

[djmilf]

IMO, you'll get better answers in the House forum, as this is a question about your house's foundation and drainage.

In my very amateur opinion, the degree of slope away from the foundation and proper drainage for roofs/gutters is more important than whether there's concrete or gravel at the side of the foundation.

[Tealcup]

Thank you. I will do that and post some photos. Yes we have a mild slope.

[don6170]

Originally Posted by djmilf

In my very amateur opinion, the degree of slope away from the foundation and proper drainage for roofs/gutters is more important than whether there's concrete or gravel at the side of the foundation.

And add a French Drain ?

[NORTY FLATZ]

I had 44.5 yds of mud poured for my sides.

Drainage is a non-issue.

Bring on El Niño!

It DOES limit planting anything tho....no weeds to pull either.

[Hemlock140]

The problem with poured concrete slabs is that they can sink over time. You need to have it sloped away from the foundations, but if it does sink toward the house will have the opposite effect. With gravel it's a lot easier to maintain the slope if the soil does compact and sink. I had a house on a slope I ran trenches with gravel along both sides and into French drains at the bottom in the back yard. That stopped the water getting into the crawl space.

[webster]

Here in VA, we get over 40" of rain a year. My county maps out all the residential lots regarding drainage and soil type. Drainage from shrink swell soil is different than drainage from hardpan under the soil. This can vary from lot to lot.