Backfilling
Backfilling is a crucial element in new home construction, as it involves filling and compacting areas of a home's concrete foundation with specialized materials to ensure proper support and drainage. By preventing water damage, backfilling ensures the long-term durability and stability of the building's foundation.
In recent years, the process of backfilling has become more intricate due to the growing complexity of modern-day home design and construction. With new building techniques and materials being introduced, it is essential to use specialized backfilling methods to maintain the structural integrity of the foundation.
Planning
To ensure a smooth backfilling process from start to finish, we prefer working with the homeowner beforehand to plan for the placement of new materials, and any leftover materials as well as walk through the projected timeline of the backfilling process.
How long will a backfill take?
The time it takes to complete the backfilling process varies from job to job depending on several factors such as foundation size, complexity, layout, how and where the foundation is situated, and weather can play a major role as well.
Typical residential home backfilling projects can be completed relatively quickly, however, there are instances where more time is required. Such as properties with tall foundation walls requiring the backfilling process to be done in stages in order to allow framing to catch up and reinforce the foundations as needed to avoid placing too much pressure on the exterior of the structure.
For the most part on average, you can expect anywhere between 2 - 14 days to complete the process. For a more accurate estimated time for your project to be completed please contact us for a free quote.
Preparing your project
During the backfilling process, you can expect excavators & bobcats to be displacing large amounts of material surrounding the foundation in order to install the proper drainage system. Please note that we may require a place to set this material in the short term while we perform the necessary tasks. As such this may result in some of the surrounding landscaping to sustain manipulation & in some instances damage in order to get the job done.
Before we arrive, preparing the property for heavy equipment such as excavators, bobcats, and packers.
- Clearing around the foundation to be filled. Remove any debris, thick foliage, plants or other obstacles that may impede the excavators or bobcats.
- Identify utility points and lines. Where applicable, clearly mark any buried utilities that may be buried near or around the foundation in order to avoid any unnecessary damage during the excavation and backfilling process.
- Obtaining necessary permits. Ensuring your permits are in order before we arrive is crucial. To do so please check with the City & or Local building department to see if you require any specific permits or instructions prior to beginning the backfilling process.
The Backfilling Process Step By Step
Installation of the perimeter drains and pop-ups for downspouts.
These help to draw and drain snowmelt, rainwater, and such away from the foundations of the home.
Covering the drain pipe with drain rock.
The drain rock helps to protect the pipe from damage caused by debris, soil, and roots while providing a layer of porous material that allows water to flow freely around the pipe and drain efficiently.
Covering the drain rock with filter cloth.
The filter cloth is going to prevent fine sediment and soil from entering the drainage system, which can lead to clogs and other issues.
Cover & Fill the complete drainage system.
With the drain rock, piping, and filter cloth in place the completed drainage system is layered with an inorganic material commonly known as “crush” or “City Spec”. This material is composed of sand and rock designed for exceptional drainage & packability.
This material will be layered & compacted every 12” until the desired height is reached.
In Summary
Backfilling is literally the foundation of the future of your home and ensuring it’s done professionally and properly is as important as it sounds.
Working with us on a plan from concept to completion is how we make the process go off without a hitch.
- Planning for the appropriate amount of time it will take to complete the project.
- Permits & utility identification.
- The arrival of our machines, the preparation required.
- The arrival of the required material and where we can safely place and work with them and what to do with any leftover material from the backfilling process.
- Review any potential hurdles we may encounter from weather to material delays.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have, or to schedule a free estimate for your Backfilling Project.
Backfilling TOP FAQ
1. How much does backfilling cost?
The cost of backfilling depends on several factors, including the size of the area to be backfilled, the depth of the backfill, and the type of materials used. Generally, the cost can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
2. How long does the backfilling process take?
The duration of backfilling can vary depending on the size of the area, the depth of the backfill, and the equipment used. However, for a standard residential backfilling project, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete.
3. What size of crush do you use?
The size of the crush used for backfilling will depend on the specific requirements of the project. Typically, a crushed stone with a diameter of 3 inch or bank run is used as backfill material for residential projects.
4. What is filter cloth made of?
Filter cloth, also known as geotextile fabric, is made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene. These fabrics are designed to allow water to pass through while preventing soil erosion and other issues that may arise during backfilling.
