Level Ground Before Concrete Goes Down

Professional grading services in Springfield and throughout Central Illinois prepare your site for long-lasting concrete installation.

If you are planning a driveway, patio, or building pad in Illinois, the ground underneath needs to be properly graded before any concrete is placed. Without the right slope and leveling, water collects in low spots, shifts the base over time, and causes cracking or settling that shows up months or years later. You see this often on older driveways where one section sinks lower than the rest or puddles form after every rain.


Grading services from J&A Concrete Solutions LLC reshape and level the soil so that water flows away from the concrete instead of pooling under it. The crew removes uneven areas, fills low spots, and adjusts the slope to match proper drainage standards. This prep work is especially important in Illinois, where clay-heavy soils shift with freeze and thaw cycles. The grading also stabilizes the surface so the base layer underneath your concrete stays solid and supports the weight without movement.


If you are preparing a site and want to make sure the foundation is set correctly, contact J&A Concrete Solutions LLC to discuss your grading needs.

How Site Grading Prevents Long-Term Problems

The grading process starts with marking the area and identifying where the ground needs to be raised, lowered, or sloped. Equipment such as skid steers and grading blades are used to move and compact soil until the surface meets the correct elevation and drainage angle. In Illinois, the crew also checks for clay pockets or soft soil that could compress unevenly once weight is applied. These areas are either removed or reinforced before the base rock is added.


Once the grading is complete, you will notice that water moves off the site instead of sitting on top of it. The surface will be firm and level, with a slight downward pitch that directs runoff away from your home or building. This grading prevents foundation issues and keeps your concrete from cracking due to shifting or settling underneath.


Grading does not include excavation for deep foundations or underground utilities, and it does not replace the need for a compacted base layer. It sets the stage for the rest of the installation and makes sure that every layer afterward performs the way it should. The work is designed to fit the conditions you are dealing with, whether that means managing a steep yard or correcting a flat area that holds water.

Homeowners and contractors often want to know how grading fits into the larger project timeline and what the crew will need access to before starting.

Questions People Ask Before Grading Begins

What does grading actually change about my property?
Grading adjusts the slope and elevation of your soil so that water flows away from the area where concrete will be installed. You will see a smoother, firmer surface with a slight angle that prevents pooling.
How long does grading take for a typical driveway?
Most residential driveways can be graded in one to two days, depending on the size of the area and how much soil needs to be moved or compacted. Larger or more complex sites may take longer.
Why is grading necessary in Illinois specifically?
Illinois soils often contain clay that expands when wet and contracts when dry, which creates movement under concrete. Grading helps control water and sets a stable surface that reduces this shifting.
What happens if grading is skipped?
Without proper grading, water sits under the concrete and weakens the base layer. Over time, this leads to cracking, sinking, and uneven surfaces that require costly repairs.
Can grading fix an existing drainage problem?
Yes, grading can redirect water away from problem areas if the site allows for resloping. The crew will assess your property and recommend adjustments based on the current layout and drainage flow.

J&A Concrete Solutions LLC works with homeowners and contractors across Illinois to prepare sites that support durable concrete installations. 


If your project involves a driveway, patio, or building pad and you want to make sure the ground is ready, reach out to discuss grading and site prep options.