Every homeowner should understand the threats to their home’s foundation and how they might reduce the risk of these potential foundation issues. Here are 9 tips to help maintain your home foundation. Following these tips can help prevent any further damage to the house and provide a long-lasting foundation.
1. A Consistent Moisture Level
In order to maintain a foundation, proper and consistent moisture levels are very important. In order to avoid the problems caused by shrinking soil, it is necessary to keep the foundation moist all the time. Installing rock beds, 18 24 away from your foundation is a good way to help keep the foundation moist will appropriate watering.
2. No Collection of Water in Low Areas
In order to assist in drainage of low areas, in-ground drains can be installed. Catch basin or lower elevation should contain all the drains and drains should drain into these areas only.
3. Monitor Drainage
Foundations can also be harmed by excessive pooling of water from downspouts and gutters. If the downspouts and gutters are properly sized and directed, the foundation is prevented from heaving due to excess moisture. On expansive soils, downspout should discharge the drainage water at least 10 feet away from the foundation and at least 5 feet away on sandy soil.
4. Proper Grading
For a problem free house, it is important that it was built on a proper grade with the ground sloping away from the foundation. Within 10 feet of the foundation the slope should be about 3 to 5 percent.
5. Puddling of Water Near the Foundation
Sometimes water puddles near your house after a rainstorm. You need to find a way to direct the water away from the foundation. There are many solutions for this problem. You can improve the grade around the foundation, you can cut a Swale or install a french drain.
6. A Moisture Barrier
Install a moisture barrier near your foundation if the grade around it cannot be corrected. This will be help in minimizing the migration of moisture under the foundation. The depth of effective moisture barriers should be at least 5 feet.
7. Erosion Control System
In order to assure the stability of the foundation and slopes in the areas where the grade is extreme, an erosion control system can be installed. The system can include liners, concrete, landscape timbers, rocks, concrete pavers, grass or other ground covers. Or a retaining wall can be built.
8. Yearly Plumbing Inspection
The sprinkler system, sewer lines and everything that is included in the plumbing system to be checked and inspected periodically for any kind of leaks. If any leaks are found they should be repaired immediately.
9. Fix Minor Basement Cracks with Epoxy
Over a period of time, concrete basement walls and floors start developing hairline cracks in them. These cracks can be cleaned out during the time when they are in their initial stage and then filled with glue like epoxy or any other material for concrete repair.
