Finish grade sloped for drainage

The elevation of the first floor should allow for a minimum distance from finished grade to the beginning of exterior finishing (normally starting at the top of the foundation) of 150 mm (6 in.) for masonry and metal siding, and 200 mm (8 in.) for wood siding, plywood, hardboard and stucco (Figure 29).

This is intended to minimize damage to framing and cladding from melting snow and rainwater deflected from the ground and to protect the wood from insects and pests.

Figure 29

Source : Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)