Your home’s foundation is the most important part of the building. Surprisingly, it is still a commonly overlooked part. This is perhaps because this structure is out of sight and is easy to forget. Still, your foundation is always working to provide support to the entire building. The good ‘health’ of the foundation is important for the longevity of your home.Let’s look at the important steps you can take to keep this structure safe, strong, and in good condition in the long-term.
Manage Drainage
You must manage the drainage to prevent the yard from becoming too soaked and soft. Improper drainage can cause costly damage to your foundation. There are many factors that can create drainage problems, including:
- Plumbing
- Aquifers
- Rainwater
- Slope
Once the soil gets so drenched in water that it cannot accept or remove moisture properly, the earth can shift. When it happens around a building, the foundation can be under tremendous strain.
Both excess soil wetness and dryness can be dangerous for your home’s foundation. Creating a proper drainage will require seeking the help of landscaping professionals.Many cases of foundation cracks occur after or during a dry spell when there is soil contraction. Different types of soils contact in different ways and in different directions.
Manage the Trees & Shrubbery
Having a great landscape means adding a variety of trees and shrubbery to your yard or garden. Follow these two tips with regard to the flora around your home:
- Planting Too Close: Shrubs, bushes, and other sturdy plants should be 2 or more feet away from the foundation’s base. This will prevent drainage from watering to come in contact with the foundation.
- Consider Tree Roots: Trees are an integral part of your yard, but you should realize that they have roots that go deep and wide. Call in the professionals if you notice the roots getting too close to the foundation.
A well-planned landscape should take into account the position of the trees and flower beds.
Ensure Proper Yard Sloping
A well-designed landscape should have your home positioned on top of a gentle slope. If your house is at the bottom of a slope such as a hill or a feature of your yard, this is going to affect the ‘health’ of your foundation. An ideal setting will have your home atop a gentle slope that goes down outwards. Professional landscapers can install French drains and yard drainage to prevent the sogginess.
Check Regularly for Cracks
Check your foundation once a month and look at the floors and walls.Any signs of crack should get you to call in the experts. This is important to prevent further damage to the foundation or any movement. Catching foundation issues in early stages makes them easier to fix. This also reduces the cost of repair.
Regular Professional Inspections
Signing-up for scheduled professional inspections can make all the difference in ensuring your foundation’s longevity. These inspections should be conducted at least once every 6 months. Unscheduled inspections are recommended after heavy rains or dry spells.Experts can notice signs of damage that you may not be able to catch, including:
- Slanted floors
- Sagging roofs
- Buckling walls
If the doors and windows no longer fit properly, it can also be a sign of movement or damage to the foundation.
If you already don’t have scheduled foundation inspection, it is recommended to hire the services of an experienced and certified company. The foundation is a critical component of your home. You cannot afford to take it lightly. The experts can gauge the current condition and suggest tips in preventing any potential damages.
