Owning a home can be very rewarding, but it can also be a huge responsibility. One of the most important things a homeowner must do to keep their house in good shape is properly maintain its foundation. However, overlooking the foundation is easy to do because so much of it is hidden from view; but it can always use a little TLC no matter how hold your home is.
For some tips on how to keep your home's foundation well-maintained and in good shape, and to reduce the likelihood of extensive future repairs, keep the following tips in mind.
How to Maintain Your Foundation
1. Keep Shrubbery Trimmed if Close to the Foundation
If you have planted shrubs or other vegetation close to the foundation of your home you’ll want to make sure those plants stay small and short - preferably shorter than 3 feet. Tall plants require lots of water to stay healthy, which means putting that much water close to the foundation can ultimately result in damage. Plant shrubbery and hedges about 3 feet from a home's foundation, and keep them trimmed to keep foundations healthy.
2. Fill Minor Foundation Cracks
If you see minor cracks in your foundation, you should call us to repair them. The cracks will need to be thoroughly cleaned, left to dry, and then filled with a concrete repair mix or an epoxy glue. Keep your eye on noticeable cracks to ensure they don't worsen over time. If you see large cracks, it’s imperative you call in an expert and not attempt to fill them yourself. Large cracks may indicate bigger problems that need serious repair, and plenty of homeowners have made the mistake of trying to DIY their foundation repair only to find it created a much bigger (and MUCH more expensive) problem.
3. Keep Moisture Levels Around Your Foundation Consistent
It's important to keep the moisture level around your foundation consistent, since a foundation that is too wet or too dry can experience damage or weakness. If you live somewhere in which the warm months are very dry, you'll want to install hoses or soakers to wet the foundation. If you live somewhere wet (or have a wet season), make sure the soil is graded so that water will flow away from the foundation. And don’t forget about your downspouts! If water is pooling after heavy rains, it’s a problem. Call us to assess any damage and install downspout extensions to keep your home in tip-top shape!
4. Test Underground Water Sources for Leaks
There are lots of things around a house that can require underground water: pools, sprinkler systems and more. Leaks in these systems can cause foundations to become wet and, in turn, damaged. To make certain this doesn't happen, call in a plumber (or another specialist) to check these underground systems every year or two. These experts can catch and repair leaks before the damage is too extensive, which would then require a larger repair. You can also attempt to check for leaks yourself.
5. Do Regular Foundation Inspections
Even if you don't see cracks in the walls or foundation, you should still do regular foundation inspections at least twice per year. Walk around the foundation of your house, and look for things like large cracks, walls that are buckling, roofs that are sagging, or doors and window frames that look like they no longer fit. If you notice any signs that suggest the foundation may be damaged (or suffering), call in an expert to investigate further. If you catch a problem before it becomes too severe, you may be able to do minor repair work, without needing to do a major overhaul.
If you want to keep your home sturdy and safe, paying attention to its foundation is essential. By doing some simple maintenance work and monitoring its condition, you can make sure your home's foundation stays in good shape for years to come.