Ten Steps For Maintaining Foundations

1. Make sure that the soil around your foundation is graded so that the water flows away from the foundation. The soil should drop 4 to 6 inches in 4 to 6 feet.

2. Avoid trapping water against your foundation. Water can be trapped against the building by raised flower beds, using metal edging or other borders that do not have openings to allow water to escape, by sidewalks or other obstructions.

3. Place soaker hoses around your foundation to keep the soil damp during dry periods.

4. Keep the majority of the shrubs around your house under 3 feet tall. Large plants need large amounts of water, which can cause foundation problems.

5. If you have large trees around your house, and the trees are closer to your foundation that the height of the trees, consider installing root barriers to keep the trees from pulling water out from under the foundation.

6. Use the downspout extensions or splash blocks on all down spots.

7. Make sure that all paved surfaces that border your foundation slope away from your foundation. This is particularly important for pool decks.

8. Keep the soil around your foundation between 2 to 4 inches below the brick line or edge of your siding. The soil helps to hold the water in the ground and reduces seasonal settlement.

9. If your sewer becomes blocked or backed up, have it tested for leaks. Many times sewer blockages are caused by roots, which means there are openings in your sewer.

10. Leaking sprinkler lines and pool circulating systems cause foundation problems. Have your systems tested for leaks every two to three years.

Foundation Tip Of The Month

Now that summer is here and plants are growing, remember not to let the ones around your foundation grow taller than 3 feet.  Keep bush and shrub trunks at least 3 feet from the house so you can still place soaker hoses between them and the foundation.  If you plant trees, consider installing a moisture barrier at the same time to prevent future issues.

Foundation Maintenance Tip Of The Month

After extended dry periods, sudden heavy rains can cause extreme rapid upward movement in foundations (as much as 3 inches/week). 

If, all of a sudden, you are seeing damage after a rain storm, it’s because of this rapid movement and you should call out a foundation repair specialist to inspect your foundation.