Foundation maintenance in your home is key to keeping it safe and sound. A well-maintained foundation will help keep water from seeping into your home, help protect it from earthquakes, and keep pests and rodents away.
According to This Old House, a typical American home has a weight of 50 tons, all of which is supported by a seven-and-a-half-ton foundation. A foundation accounts for 8 to 15% of the total cost of constructing a house.
You can do a few things to maintain your home’s foundation and keep it safe. Here are four tips:
1. Manage and Maintain Drainage
Correct drainage is crucial to foundation health. Ensure water flows away from your home, and install gutters and downspouts if necessary. Inspect your drainage system regularly and clear any debris.
If you live in an area with high groundwater levels, consider installing a French drain or waterproofing your basement. This will help keep water from seeping into your home and damaging the foundation.
2. Check Your Foundation for Cracks
Regularly checking your foundation for cracks is one of the most important things you can do to maintain it. If you find any cracks, have them repaired as soon as possible.
If left untreated, even small cracks can grow and cause serious damage to your home’s foundation. In extreme cases, they may even cause the structure to collapse.
3. Trim Trees and Bushes Away from Your Home
Trees and bushes can be a major contributor to foundation problems. Over time, their roots can grow into your home’s foundation and cause damage.
Trim trees and bushes away from your home’s foundation to prevent this. If possible, keep them at least six feet away from the house.
If you can’t trim them back, consider installing a root barrier around your home’s foundation. This plastic or metal strip prevents roots from penetrating the soil near your foundation.
4. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof and gutters are other major contributors to foundation problems. Ensure your roof is in good condition and that your gutters are cleared of all debris.
If water accumulates on your roof or around your home’s foundation, it can cause serious damage. In extreme cases, the weight of the water may even cause your foundation to collapse.
Make sure you check for leaks in your roof and fix them as soon as possible. A small leak can cause a lot of damage over time.
Call to Action
If you’re concerned about foundation maintenance in your home, call a professional for help. A qualified contractor can inspect your home and recommend the best course of action to keep it safe and sound.