Taking care of your foundation is probably not the most glamorous part of homeownership—but it’s one of the most important! A damaged foundation can lead to costly repairs and even compromise the safety of your home. Don’t panic, though. With regular maintenance and a bit of know-how, you can keep your foundation in great shape. Here are some practical home maintenance tips to help protect your home’s foundation.
Proper Drainage Around the House
Water is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to foundation damage. That’s why people are always looking for ways to prevent water from getting into their basement. While there are a few ways to achieve this, proper drainage is one of the best ones. You can achieve this by ensuring your gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning. They should direct rainwater at least five feet away from your home. If you have excess water pooling near your foundation, you should consider installing a French drain or extending your downspouts further to help move the water away.
Regular Inspection of the Foundation
When was the last time you inspected your foundation? Routine checks can save you from small issues turning into massive headaches. Make a point to walk around your home and look for cracks, uneven flooring, or gaps around windows and doors at least once a year. Not every crack signals danger, but if you see larger or widening ones, it’s time to call in a professional.
Repairing Cracks and Leaks Immediately
If you ever notice any troublesome-looking cracks or leaks, don’t wait. Ignoring them can lead to bigger and more expensive issues. A small crack today could turn into a structural issue tomorrow. It’s possible to use a concrete patching product for small repairs, but most of the time, it’s best to hire a specialist who knows how to fix these issues at their source. As long as you act quickly you’ll be able to safely minimize the chance of further damage.
Maintaining a Consistent Moisture Level in the Soil
Extreme shifts in soil moisture can wreak havoc on your foundation. This is especially true during hot and dry summers when the soil might shrink away from the base of your house. Something you can try doing to protect your home’s foundation is using a soaker hose to maintain consistent soil moisture around your house when the soil has dried out. This helps reduce movement in the soil and minimizes foundation stress.
Ensuring Proper Grading Around the House
Does water flow toward your house after a heavy downpour? If so, your yard’s grading may need fixing. The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation to prevent water from accumulating. Re-grading may involve adding soil to create a proper slope, but it’s worth the effort to avoid a waterlogged foundation.
