How To Protect Your Home's Foundation From Costly Repairs!
With all of the rain we have been having over the last several weeks foundation issues can start to pop up, even if you have never had a problem before. Doing some simple things now can potentially save you several thousands of dollars down the road in expensive major foundation repairs. If you find that you would like to have a foundation inspection I have a few highly recommended foundation repair experts that I'm happy to refer you to. As always, I never get paid for giving out a referral. I just like helping my clients and friends get the most out of their real estate. Here's the list...
1. Clean and inspect your gutters. - You should remove debris from your gutters at least twice a year (but don’t just scoop it out and leave it on the ground next to your home — that could cause pooling). Whenever you undertake gutter cleaning, you should inspect your gutters to make sure they don’t have any cracks, holes, or gaps; and also check to see if they are pitched correctly so water flows through them properly.
2. Inspect your downspouts. - Like your gutters, make sure that no leaks are present in your downspouts. But also ensure that they are effectively routing the water away from your foundation — instead of just pouring it next to your home.
3. Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation. - This will enable runoff water to flow away from your home instead of seeping into your foundation. Whatever you do, ensure that the ground does not slope toward your home.
4. Check for water pooling near your foundation. - You can either do this after a substantial rain event or by spraying water with a hose at various points around your home. If pools of water do form, then remove the water and fill in those areas with dirt to keep it from happening again.
5. Keep track of changes around your property. - If a neighbor puts in landscaping or alters their drainage system, or if construction crews dig up underground cable or work on your street’s sewer system, your property’s drainage could be affected. So take the necessary steps to counter those problems.
6. Monitor foliage near your home. - Cut back plants or vines that are up against your home so they don’t hinder the air circulation process and trap excess dampness against your home when they get wet. Also, refrain from planting any trees close to your foundation; they can soak up much-needed moisture that helps keep foundations from cracking.
7. Water your foundation during the summer. - In periods where rain is scarce, the soil touching your foundation could dry and shrink, which could upset your foundation. So giving your foundation (and the soil next to it) a good soaking periodically during a dry season can help prevent that problem.
1. Clean and inspect your gutters. - You should remove debris from your gutters at least twice a year (but don’t just scoop it out and leave it on the ground next to your home — that could cause pooling). Whenever you undertake gutter cleaning, you should inspect your gutters to make sure they don’t have any cracks, holes, or gaps; and also check to see if they are pitched correctly so water flows through them properly.
2. Inspect your downspouts. - Like your gutters, make sure that no leaks are present in your downspouts. But also ensure that they are effectively routing the water away from your foundation — instead of just pouring it next to your home.
3. Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation. - This will enable runoff water to flow away from your home instead of seeping into your foundation. Whatever you do, ensure that the ground does not slope toward your home.
4. Check for water pooling near your foundation. - You can either do this after a substantial rain event or by spraying water with a hose at various points around your home. If pools of water do form, then remove the water and fill in those areas with dirt to keep it from happening again.
5. Keep track of changes around your property. - If a neighbor puts in landscaping or alters their drainage system, or if construction crews dig up underground cable or work on your street’s sewer system, your property’s drainage could be affected. So take the necessary steps to counter those problems.
6. Monitor foliage near your home. - Cut back plants or vines that are up against your home so they don’t hinder the air circulation process and trap excess dampness against your home when they get wet. Also, refrain from planting any trees close to your foundation; they can soak up much-needed moisture that helps keep foundations from cracking.
7. Water your foundation during the summer. - In periods where rain is scarce, the soil touching your foundation could dry and shrink, which could upset your foundation. So giving your foundation (and the soil next to it) a good soaking periodically during a dry season can help prevent that problem.