Move Water Where It Should Go—Not Toward Your Home
We correct grades, build swales and ditches, install culverts and French drains, and shape land for stable bases and dry yards. Serving Georgian Bay & Simcoe County.
Grading That Survives Freeze–Thaw
Surface water problems are solved with earthwork, not hope. We set proper slopes away from buildings, create positive drainage paths, and use the right materials so your lawn, driveway, and walkways stay firm and dry through spring thaws and summer storms.
- Correct regrading around foundations (2–5% fall)
- Swales, ditches, and daylighted outlets
- Culverts sized/placed to local standards
- Driveway crowns/crossfall for shed
Typical Scope
- Topographic review & laser levels
- Cut/fill, shaping & compaction in lifts
- Subgrade corrections & organics removal
- Geotextile where soils are weak or wet
- Granular placement for bases & paths
- French drains / yard drains (where appropriate)
- Outlet protection: riprap, splash pads, aprons
We design for maintenance access and future landscaping—no hidden surprises under the sod.
Our Process
1) Site Assessment
We review existing grades, soils, water paths, roof leaders, sump discharge, and constraints (neighbours, trees, utilities).
2) Drainage Plan
Set target falls, swale routes, and discharge locations. We size culverts and choose materials (granulars, geotextile, riprap).
3) Rough Grade
Cut/fill to plan, remove organics, compact subgrade, and establish the main water-shedding shapes.
4) Drainage Works
Install swales, French drains (where justified), culverts, outlet protection, and driveway crowns/crossfall.
5) Final Grade
Topsoil placement, fine grading, and compaction. Ready for seed, sod, or hardscaping.
6) Verification
Hose/rain check as needed; adjust lows and outlets. Final walk-through and maintenance guidance.
Common Problems We Fix
- Water against foundation or in window wells
- Wet lawns and mushy spring soil
- Driveways that rut or pond after rain
- Erosion at downspouts and slopes
- Low spots after previous contractors graded
We prioritize surface solutions first; subsurface drains are used only when grading alone cannot solve it.
Materials & Methods
Laser level checks Geotextile separators Granular A/B bases Riprap & splash pads Swales & berms French drains (as needed)
We build for durability and easy maintenance, not band-aids.
Service Area
We correct grades and drainage across Georgian Bay & Simcoe County:
Tiny • Tay • Midland • Penetang • Wasaga Beach • Collingwood • Barrie • Oro • Port Severn • Muskoka fringe
Grading & Drainage — FAQs
How much slope do I need away from my house?
As a rule of thumb, 2–5% (≈ 1/4″–5/8″ per foot) for the first 6–10 feet works well. We’ll confirm on site based on soil and elevation.
Do I need a French drain?
Not always. We solve most issues with surface grading and swales. Subsurface drains are used when grades cannot move water by gravity or soils stay saturated.
Will geotextile help in wet areas?
Yes—geotextile separates fines from stone so the base doesn’t pump in spring. It’s essential under driveways/paths on weak soils.
Can you discharge downspouts and sump to daylight?
Where the grade allows, yes. We extend and daylight with proper splash pads or riprap to prevent erosion. We follow municipal rules for outlets.
When is the best season to regrade?
Late spring through fall is typical. Winter grading on frozen ground can protect subgrades; we adjust compaction and materials to conditions.
Request a Drainage Assessment
Send your address, a brief description of the problem (ponding, wet basement, driveway rutting), and a few photos. We’ll propose the cleanest, cost-effective fix.