Steps to Prevent Foundation Problems

Heat from the sun causes soil to shrink and contract; when the soil becomes moist again, the soil expands.

No homeowner wants the building blocks of their home to crack. A home’s stability, safety, and security rely on the foundation to be structurally sound. Some of the most common signs of foundation damage to a home are wilting floors, shifting beams, cracking door frames, damp crawl spaces, and mold and mildew. These issues can devastate a home and should be prevented at all costs. Keeping water away from the walls and structure is the key to an expanded lifespan and less costly repairs.

When cracks in the wall start forming, and doorframes start to warp, the damage is already done. Stay ahead of these issues with preventative measures to detect foundation problems before they become severe. Consider the following simple steps to keep water away from the base of the home and ensure a strong foundation.

Drain water away from the house

The simplest form of foundation protection is to direct water away from the foundation. Grading the soil around a house ensures gravity carries water downward from the foundation. Contracting experts suggest a height of six inches across ten feet of soil. This can be measured with string or a level by measuring the height at the foundation’s base and the end of the soil base. Another easy solution is a french drain system. Excess water enters the pipes at the high end and utilizes a minor, graded slope to direct water away from the home to a specific desired exit.

Timed sprinkler system

Heat from the sun causes soil to shrink and contract; when the soil becomes moist again, the soil expands. This constant contraction causes stress on the foundation and makes the walls weak and unstable. Ensuring a continuous water-to-soil ratio with timed sprinkler systems helps combat this issue.

A controlled timer that runs for approximately 30 minutes in the morning and evening would create a balance in the structure’s soil. Additionally, installing a rock bed would help the system penetrate the soil at deeper levels. Experts suggest extra watering during drier months when contracting and expanding tend to be more extreme.

Quality drainpipes

Cluttered gutters can affect the amount of moisture absorbed into the foundation, especially during the rainy season. Diverting runoff water from the roof is critical to maintaining a healthy structure; installing gutter extenders further directs rain runoff away from the home. Keep drains clear of leaves and dirt and ensure they are firmly attached to the foundation’s walls.

Strategic sprinkler positioning

Water inevitably reaches a home’s foundation when it rains, but there’s no reason for water to contact it during regular watering. Place sprinklers strategically so they do not send water to the home's foundation. Additionally, do not run the sprinklers on rainy days.

Keep clear of Mother Nature

Over time, many plants can sprout forceful roots that cause severe damage to the integrity of the foundation. Dry seasons can expedite this process as trees and plants compete against the soil for water. This can cause an imbalance in the ground, causing the structure to settle improperly and reveal cracks.

Large trees often grow powerful roots that can displace soil in the surrounding area and penetrate the home's structure. To avoid roots reaching the home and causing damage, plant trees at enough distance so no branches touch the house. Additionally, if flowerbeds are to be planted close to the home, use plants that require minimal watering to reduce the risk of water running off toward the home.

Planning for concrete

It’s essential to remember drainage when planning the foundation’s construction. Driveways, landscaping paths, sidewalks, and all other concrete elements must be designed to ensure water drainage is directed away from the foundation. Contractors also suggest being mindful of where gardens are in relation to the rest of the concrete structure to avoid excess runoff from watering.

Plumbing leaks

Plumbing problems commonly occur and can weaken a structure's integrity. The water meter level is a clear indicator of whether there is a leak, so be sure it’s checked frequently to catch leaks before they become severe.

Accurate foundation design

The foundation's weakness can occur when the soil’s stability increases and decreases begin to form. Support piers can be installed as a preventative measure; however, this can prevent a house from setting correctly. For instance, the foundation is not suggested to be constructed upon clay, silt, or peat.

Rock is an excellent support soil as it provides both depth and stability. Gravel or sand is also ideal as it does not retain moisture and glues together if correctly compacted. It’s suggested that compacted soil be embedded at least two inches below the brick line.

Repair immediately

Though preventative measures are crucial, cracks and foundational issues can still arise. These issues should be fixed immediately, as small cracks can worsen quickly. Ignoring minor problems is easy; however, moisture can be highly destructive, and cracks give way to embedding it within the foundation and walls. What initially seems like a minor issue can quickly turn damaging and costly, so contact a foundation repair expert as soon as any issues are detected.

Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.