How to Keep Your Home's Foundation in Good Shape

The first thing to do to keep your home's foundation in good condition is to regularly check for cracks. These are often caused by settlement of a house and are usually not too noticeable. If you find one that is more than an eighth of an inch in width, mark it with an erasable pencil line. It may be mended by masonry sealant. You should also monitor the size of the crack and take necessary steps to prevent further damage.

In addition to repairing cracks and holes, homeowners should also inspect the outside of their home for any visible signs of moisture or insects. Inspecting the exterior of a home for any dirt or other debris is important, as it can shrink the clearance, allowing moisture to seep into the foundation. It is also a good idea to keep the yard and garden area clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris.

Check for moisture

Besides preventing cracks, you should also check for puddles in your foundation and check for moisture levels. During hot and dry weather, watering your foundation is essential, as the soil can absorb up to 150 gallons of water a day. During hot, dry weather, you may need to water your foundation several times a day. However, it is important to provide enough water to maintain the moisture level of the soil. Otherwise, the watering program won't be effective.

While it is tempting to ignore your home's foundation, it is critical to take note of its condition. Small leaks can cause extensive water damage and mold issues. The water continuously leaking into the ground can eventually cause serious damage to your foundation. In the long run, the soft soil around the foundation weakens and cracks. So, it's important to monitor the condition of your home's foundation every year.

Take care of your yard

The next step in keeping your home's foundation in good shape is to properly care for your yard. Make sure to water the lawn and shrubbery three to five feet away from the house's foundation. A well-maintained garden can also help you prevent moisture from getting to your foundation. A well-maintained yard will improve the look of your home and make it more attractive to your neighbors.

Foundation repair work can be costly. While it's not always possible to prevent a cracked foundation, proper maintenance can prevent it. You can keep your home's foundation in good condition by keeping track of its yard and ensuring consistent moisture levels. A constant level of moisture will keep your home's foundation in good shape. The soil surrounding your home needs to be watered regularly. If the soil around the house is too dry or damp, it can cause damage to the structure of the house.

Another way to prevent foundation damage is to keep the ground around your home level. In addition to regular weeding and pruning, proper grading will help prevent water from accumulating near the house. A sloped yard can keep your home's foundation level in good condition and waterproof it. If a problem does arise, it's best to call in a professional. A proper foundation inspection will not only give you an accurate picture of the current situation but will also diagnose any future risks associated with a deteriorated foundation.

Bottom line

The main reason why you must maintain your home's foundation is to prevent a leaky basement. In addition to preventing the water from entering your basement, it will also prevent your foundation from leaking.

When a leaky pipe or clogged gutter is the culprit, the solution to this problem is to fix the gutter and let the water flow away from your home. Ideally, you should have regular inspections and repairs. In other case you may need a good sump pump to move water out.

The next thing you should do to maintain your home's foundation is to keep the soil around the house dry.. Because your foundation isn't level, you should make sure that it stays moist all year long. The moisture in the soil is vital to the stability of your home, and watering your yard will prevent problems from occurring. It's also important to keep your roof well-insulated to protect your home's foundation.

When all else fails, call upon the assistance of professional home foundation contractors near you.