Request a quote

(214) 467-9700

Drought Foundation Problems: Ultimate 8 Steps to Safeguard Your Home

Contact Us

Drought Foundation Problems: Ultimate 8 Steps to Safeguard Your Home

Drought Foundation Problems: Ultimate 8 Steps to Safeguard Your Home

Be proactive this summer with a plan to address drought foundation problems. This is crucial in preparing your foundation for dry, hot days. Use our 8-step guide to help prevent damage from hot, dry soil and related issues and protect your foundation against the coming hot summer months.

8-Step Drought Foundation Problems Prevention Guide

1. Maintain Proper Moisture Levels:

  • Watering the Soil: Hot weather can dry out the soil. This drying can lead to foundation settling and cracking. Water the soil around your foundation regularly to maintain consistent moisture levels. Use a soaker hose whose slow-seeping water ensures deep watering, watering the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches and no runoff.
  • Consistent Schedule: Water the soil at dawn or dusk. Watering when the sun is low minimizes evaporation and lets the water soak in. Aim to water your foundation at least twice weekly during hot, dry weather.

2. Inspect and Repair Cracks:

  • Foundation Inspection: Inspect your foundation regularly. Look for cracks or signs of damage. Pay attention to both the interior and exterior of your foundation. The interior may show signs of water damage, while the exterior may have visible cracks.
  • Seal Cracks: Use an appropriate sealant to fill any small cracks. For larger or more severe cracks, consider consulting a professional for repair.

3. Ensure Proper Drainage:

  • Gutters and Downspouts: Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts. They should direct water away from the foundation. Extend downspouts at least 5-10 feet from the house. The extended downspout prevents water from pooling near the foundation.
  • Grading: Ensure the ground slopes away from your foundation. It is critical to your foundation’s health. It prevents water from pooling around the foundation. Pooling water leads to moisture damage. Best practices recommend slowing the ground down and away from the foundation. Slope the ground at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet. Make sure water gets directed away from the house.

4. Landscaping:

  • Vegetation: Plant your trees and shrubs at least 5 feet away from your home’s foundation. Having a gap between the house and plants deters roots from causing damage. Choose drought-resistant plants that need less water.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch around plants, helping preserve soil moisture and regulate temperature.

5. Track Indoor Conditions:

  • Humidity Levels: To control indoor humidity, a dehumidifier is necessary in basements and crawl spaces. Extra moisture contributes to mold growth and other moisture-related issues.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain consistent indoor temperatures, helping prevent excessive expansion and contraction of building materials.

6. Check for Pests:

  • Pest Inspection: Inspect your foundation and the surrounding area for signs of pests, such as termites or ants. Look for mud tubes, small holes in wood, or sawdust-like droppings. Each indicates a termite infestation. For ants, look for trails of ants or small piles of dirt near the foundation. Pests cause structural damage, which compromises the integrity of your foundation, so early detection is essential.
  • Preventive Measures: Seal any gaps or cracks. They could let pests in. Consider using pest control if needed.

7. Insulate and Protect:

  • Insulation: Ensure that your foundation is well insulated. Add a layer of foam board insulation, which is ideal for foundation protection. Insulation helps regulate temperature and reduce the effects of heat on the structure. It helps keep foundations cool in hot weather and prevents excessive heat from affecting the soil underneath. Temperature changes can lead to soil shrinkage and foundation damage.
  • Shade: Provide shade for your foundation by planting trees or using shading devices. You still want trees and shrubs planted a distance from the house. In time, the plants help reduce soil temperature and moisture loss.

8. Professional Inspection:

  • Annual Check-Up: Consider having a professional inspect your foundation annually, especially before the summer heat. These inspections are not only important but also effective. They identify potential issues early on, including cracks or signs of damage that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Inspectors recommend preventive measures or necessary repairs, providing you with a sense of security and confidence in the health of your foundation. Addressing issues sooner rather than later helps you avoid costly foundation issues.

Drought Foundation Problems – Prevention

Take these steps against drought foundation problems today. Protect your foundation from the summer heat. By doing so, you will keep it stable and prevent expensive repairs. Contact us and schedule a foundation inspection now.

 

 

See Also: