Maintain Your Home’s Foundation

10 Ways to Maintain Your Home’s Foundation

1. Make sure that the soil around your foundation is sloped so that the water flows away from the foundation. The soil should also drop 4-6 inches in the 4-6 feet from your house.

2. Check that water isn’t trapped against the foundation. Water can be trapped by raised flower beds, sidewalks, using metal edging or other borders that do not have openings that allow the water to escape or other obstructions.

3. Use soaker hoses around the foundation to keep the soil damp, especially during the drier summer months.

4. Keep shrubs around your house under 3 feet tall. Large plants need more water, which can cause foundation problems as they take moisture away from the foundation.

5. Consider installing root barriers if you have large trees close to the foundation so the trees stop pulling water out from under the foundation. It also helps prevent the roots from growing underneath the foundation.

6. Make sure to use the downspout extensions or splash blocks on all down spouts.

7. Furthermore, check that all paved surfaces that border your home’s foundation is graded away from the foundation. This is essential for pool decks.

8. Keep the soil around the foundation between 2 to 4 inches below the brick line or edge of the siding. The soil helps hold the water in the ground and reduces seasonal settlement.

9. Have your sewer lines tested for leaks if you notice your sewers are backed up. Often, sewers are blocked from tree roots, which could mean there are openings in your sewer lines, which can negatively impact your foundation.

10. Finally, test your sprinkler and pool systems every two to three years for leaks. Leaking pool circulating systems and sprinkler lines will cause foundation problems.

If you have any questions or problems with your foundation, contact a certified foundation specialist for a complete evaluation.

(Source: Arch Foundation)