Final answer:
Finished grading around a home is done to ensure rainwater drains away from the house, protecting the house from potential water damage and flooding. Surface runoff can saturate soil and infiltrate the foundation, causing potential structural issues if the grading is not done correctly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of finished grading around a home is to ensure that rainwater effectively drains away from the house. This process is crucial to protect the house from water damage and potential flooding issues. The grading directs water towards a specific runoff point, away from the house's foundation.
Surface runoff only occurs if the soil becomes saturated with water during heavy rainfall. The water that doesn't get absorbed by plant roots or evaporate will get into the subsoil and bedrock, forming groundwater. This groundwater then percolates the soil and could potentially damage the house foundation if not managed correctly with appropriate grading.
This situation emphasizes the role of effective water management systems around a house, like correct grading and a sump pump. These systems work together to prevent water from pooling or infiltrating areas that might lead to structural issues.
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