12 Tips on Foundation Maintenance

Even though most foundations are incredibly durable, damage can still happen at any time. Homeowners who aren’t careful might end up struggling with ongoing repairs after they notice cracks, upheavals, or sinkholes. Here are 12 steps that you can take to make sure that your home’s foundation remains undamaged in the coming years.

Keep a Foundation Log

Whenever you spend any time inspecting your foundation or making repairs, you should put that information in a log. Keeping a log will allow you to track any changes to chips or cracks that might need to be taken care of in the near future.

Maintain a Consistent Moisture Level

The soil on your property will expand and contract if the moisture levels fluctuate, and that will put more pressure on your foundation. Homeowners must use their sprinklers to carefully control their soil’s moisture levels during the driest and wettest months of the year.

Improve Drainage

All of your rain gutters and downspouts should be inspected at least a few times a year to make sure that they aren’t damaged or clogged. If you are having problems with pools of water near the base of your home, then you might need to adjust or lengthen the downspouts.

Speak With an Arborist

One of the most common causes of foundation cracks is tree roots. Those who have larger trees on their property might need to speak with an arborist to make sure that the roots aren’t pushing into the foundation.

Inspect Your Pipes and Fixtures for Leaks

Every three or four months, you should spend a few hours looking for any leaking pipes or fixtures in your home. A slow leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water every year, and it will eventually result in foundation cracks or other forms of damage.

Keep Your Home at a Steady Temperature

Over the years, temperature fluctuations within your home will cause the foundation to expand and contract. Keeping your home’s temperature and humidity levels as consistent as possible will minimize how much the concrete fluctuates.

Make Sure That Your Yard Is Angled Correctly

Immediately following a rainstorm, your soil might become so saturated that the water will flow back toward your home. Having your yard gently slope away from your home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage.

Add a Root Barrier to Your Yard

A root barrier is any thick piece of material that separates tree roots from your home’s foundation. These barriers are often made from high-density polyethylene, and they can typically be installed in just a few hours with the right equipment.

Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump will be your last line of defense against serious water damage in your home. While a sump pump won’t keep water out of your basement, it could reduce the amount of damage that takes place if any flooding occurs.

Prevent Infestations

Many different types of insects can burrow deep into concrete foundations to make colonies. That is one of the reasons why it is so important to schedule preventative pest control services at least once every six months.

Schedule Annual Inspections

Modern foundation systems are extremely durable, but you should still schedule annual inspections with an expert. These specialists can detect and repair minor issues with your foundation well before they become expensive problems.

Contact a Contractor for Immediate Repairs

You must immediately contact a contractor as soon as you notice any damage to your home’s foundation. Repairing smaller chips and cracks as quickly as possible could prevent quite a few headaches in the future.