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House Foundation Maintenance Tips & Awesome Ways to Help Prevent Problems

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House Foundation Maintenance Tips & Awesome Ways to Help Prevent Problems

House Foundation Maintenance Tips & Awesome Ways to Help Prevent Problems

It is summer and time to take charge of your home’s foundation with our maintenance tips. Regular upkeep is not just a chore; it’s a responsibility that can prevent damage from heat and seasonal weather changes. Here’s a complete summer foundation checklist to keep your home’s foundation in shape.

Our 10 House Foundation Maintenance Tips are simple and easy to follow, empowering you to take control of your home’s foundation health.

 

House Foundation Maintenance Tips

1. Inspect for Cracks and Damage

  • Exterior Inspection: Walk around your home’s perimeter. Look for cracks in the foundation walls and brick-and-mortar joints.
  • Interior Inspection: Check the basement walls, floors, and the area around windows and doors. Look for any signs of cracks or moisture.

2. Check for Water Damage

  • Basement and Crawl Spaces: Look for signs of water infiltration, like dampness, mold, or water stains.
  • Drainage Systems: Ensure your gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems are clear of debris and working well to direct water away from the foundation.

3 Track Soil Moisture Levels

  • Soaker Hose: During dry periods, use a soaker hose around the foundation. It maintains even soil moisture and helps prevent soil shrinkage and foundation settling.
  • Avoid Over-Watering: Do not overwater the lawn or garden beds near the foundation. Overwatering causes the soil to expand and press on the foundation walls.

4. Maintain Proper Grading

  • Soil Slope: Ensure the soil around your home slopes away from the foundation. Aim for at least a 6-inch over 10-foot slope, which promotes proper drainage.
  • Fill Low Spots: Fill in any low spots by the foundation. Water can pool in them. This pooling can cause erosion and higher hydrostatic pressure.

5. Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts

  • Gutter Cleaning: Clean your gutters often. Clogs in them cause water to overflow and pool near the foundation.
  • Downspout Extensions: Make sure downspouts extend 5-10 feet from the foundation. This diverts water away from the home.

6. Check for Tree and Shrub Root Encroachment

  • Root Barriers: Install root barriers if needed. They prevent tree and shrub roots from taking soil moisture near the foundation.
  • Planting Distance: Plant trees and large shrubs far from the foundation. Distancing large plants from the foundation helps prevent foundation root damage.

7. Seal Foundation Cracks

  • Small Cracks: Use a suitable polyurethane or epoxy sealant to fill small cracks in the foundation walls and floors.
  • Professional Repair: If the cracks are larger or more significant, consult a foundation repair specialist. They will assess and fix the damage, including filling larger cracks, reinforcing weakened areas, or installing additional support structures.

8. Inspect Plumbing for Leaks

  • Interior Plumbing: Check for leaks in your interior plumbing. They could add to the excess moisture around the foundation.
  • Exterior Plumbing: Inspect outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and irrigation systems for leaks or malfunctions.

9. Control Interior Humidity

  • Dehumidifiers: Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces. They control moisture and stop mold.
  • Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces. Do this to cut humidity and moisture buildup.

10. Foundation Ventilation

  • Vent Covers: Make sure foundation vents are clear of debris. They need to work well to allow enough airflow.
  • Vent Inspection: Inspect vents. Look for signs of blockage or damage. These could impede airflow and cause moisture buildup.

 

House Foundation Maintenance Tips

By following this summer foundation checklist, you can rest assured that your home’s foundation is well-protected from damage caused by seasonal weather. Remember, when needed, regular maintenance and inspections are your best allies in ensuring the foundation’s long-term stability and integrity.

Contact us today for a comprehensive assessment of your foundation’s condition and soil evaluation. Don’t wait until it’s too late; take the first step towards a healthy foundation for your home.

 

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