Yes, improved soil grading is considered the most cost-effective first step in reducing hydrostatic pressure. When soil is properly sloped away from a home, it prevents rainwater and snowmelt from concentrating and pooling against basement or crawl space walls.

According to the provided guide, proper grading impacts foundation health in the following ways:

• Reduces Lateral Force: By directing water away from the house, the risk of hydrostatic pressure building up in the soil drops significantly.
• Minimizes Soil Expansion: Proper drainage helps prevent clay-rich soils from becoming waterlogged, which stops the cyclical swelling and shrinking that can widen foundation fissures.
• Prevents Differential Settlement: Ensuring water does not pool in specific areas help prevent one corner of the foundation from remaining wetter than others, which helps avoid uneven settlement.

Experts recommend that soil should slope away from the foundation at a minimum 5% grade. While grading is a critical first line of defense, it is often used in conjunction with other strategies like downspout extensions and perimeter drain systems for comprehensive long-term protection.