Learn how to measure soil moisture around your foundation. It is crucial and helps find issues early. Here’s how you can check the moisture levels:
6 Tips on How to Measure Soil Moisture
- Visual Inspection: Walk around your home. Look at the soil around the foundation. Look for signs of too much moisture, which include pooling water, saturated soil, and areas of standing water.
- Feel the Soil: Use your hands to feel the soil around the foundation. Moist soil should feel damp but not too wet or muddy. If the soil feels more than saturated, this could mean poor drainage or water buildup.
- Use a Moisture Meter: Soil moisture meters or soil moisture testers are great tools. They give you a more exact number on your soil moisture levels. Stick the moisture meter probe into the ground around your foundation. Do this at many points to measure the moisture. Follow the instructions provided with the moisture meter to interpret the readings.
- Monitor After Rainfall: Pay close attention to the soil around your foundation after it stops raining. Watch for how long it takes for the water to drain from the foundation. Also, check for any pools or standing water. These valuable insights help you understand drainage patterns and uncover potential areas of concern.
- Inspect Basement or Crawl Space: If you have a basement or crawl space, inspect them for moisture. Do this often. Look for damp spots, water stains, or signs of mold. They can show water seepage from the foundation.
- Consider Professional Inspection: Are you trying to figure out how to check for moisture? Do you suspect foundation issues? Hire an inspector. An expert can use tools and techniques to check moisture near your foundation and find any problems.
Measure Soil Moisture – Moving Forward
You now know how to measure soil moisture around your home foundation. Make sure to check the moisture levels around your foundation often. Monitoring moisture helps you catch issues early so you can take appropriate action to solve them. These steps will protect your home from water damage and foundation issues.
For more information or to schedule a foundation inspection, contact us today.
