How To Prevent Foundation Damage To Your Home
Structural problems are quite common, with some reports predicting that 25% of homes will experience them. This makes it crucial to pay critical attention to your property’s foundation. It is the base of any building, and the stronger it is, the longer the house will stand. Unfortunately, people discover problems with their home’s foundation a little too late. Your story can be different if you take proactive steps to avoid this damage. These are some tips worth considering.
Design a well-calculated slope into your landscaping
Water damage is the most common cause of many foundation problems. When water stays too long at the base of the building or structure, it eats away at the concrete work built into the foundation. The thing is, it is not a one-time event that causes such extensive damage. Usually, water damage is gradual, and you may see the signs only after a long period. Fortunately, the solution is to reconsider the slope of your immediate perimeter or the landscaping.
Water runs downhill, and a gentle slope designed into your landscaping reduces the risk of damage to the foundation. For this to work, the slope or slant should be tilted away from the house. Another tip is to ensure that the entire perimeter of the house slopes in the same direction. This aids quicker movement of rainwater away from your building. As you build a gentle slope into the landscaping, remember to create an outlet for the water to go.
Conduct periodic checks of your home’s foundation
Without experts, it’s impossible to tell if anything is off with your home’s foundation. Finding the local concrete contractors can save you the trouble of conducting these assessments yourself. Perhaps, you may lack the right expertise for these structural evaluations. Resorting to these services earlier can also save you from costly foundation repairs. When you notice cracks that travel upwards from the building’s base, it is advisable to call in the experts.
Keep plant roots away from your house
No matter how much you love plants and the garden in general, remember to keep them a distance away from the main house. Roots move deeper in search of water and soil nutrients. The last thing you want them to find is your home’s foundation. How does this happen? When roots grow deeper into the earth, they suck moisture in their path. As this happens, the soil around the roots shrinks and loses its quality.
So, if these roots are closer to your home’s foundation, they move soil away from the base, resulting in cracks. The bad news is that these cracks occur within the foundation and travel up to the walls over time. According to the 2020 Expert Home Report, keeping a safe distance of 10 – 20 feet between plants and your structure is best. This translates into 3 – 6 meters away from the house. The Japanese Knotweed, Pine, Willow, and the common Ivy tree are examples of plants to keep at a safe distance.
Foundation repairs can be costly when detected late. However, you can take measures to minimize their occurrence.
