It’s time for an update, because our homes can actually be more than just a place to sleep and shower. In fact, they can be a source of great joy and happiness in your life. But over time, any structure will start to age like any other physical object — including your foundation!
And while it may not seem like the foundation is at the top of your priorities list, it should be one of them. For this article we’ve put together some tips that can help you maintain your home’s foundation.
Inspect basement and crawl spaces for signs of water damage or leaks
Water damage can happen quickly in basements. This is especially if they’re not well-maintained or kept dry by homeowners who don’t understand how to prevent water from entering their homes through their plumbing systems or through the ground below their foundation walls.
You’ll want to be proactive about checking for signs of water damage before it causes serious problems. Check for wet spots near the ceiling of your basement or crawl space that are visible from above ground level (you may need to use a probe light).
If there are any signs of dampness (like mold), call an inspector as soon as possible before moisture spreads throughout your home’s foundation.
Check your home’s foundation for cracks or shifts in the ground
If you own a home, one of the most important things you can do to ensure it lasts is to check your foundation for cracks or shifts in the ground. If you see any damage, be sure to contact a professional.
Foundation cracks and shifts are never good for a home’s structural integrity and can lead to serious problems later on. For example, if a crack forms between two parts of your foundation, water could seep into the space where it meets and cause rot or mold growth.
A shift could cause your walls or roof to move out of place, which could also lead to leaks and other problems.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Water pooling near the foundation can cause rot and other damage, so make sure you clean out gutters and downspouts regularly. This will prevent water from pooling at all, which is why it’s so important to clean them annually.
If you don’t have access to your gutters or downspouts and want another way to prevent water from pooling near the foundation of your home, consider installing gutter covers. These are typically made of rubber or plastic and come in many different styles so you can find one that matches your home’s style perfectly!
Investigate possible sources of moisture
An important step in maintaining your foundation is to investigate possible sources of moisture. The most obvious source of moisture is rainwater, but there are other methods that can cause problems as well.
For example, if there’s a large tree in your yard, it may not be draining properly and could be causing standing water in the ground around it. If you live in an area that gets plenty of snowfall, you might have to worry about moisture seeping into your basement from snow removal efforts.
Other sources of moisture can include landscaping, irrigation systems, and poor drainage. If you suspect that one of these issues is causing problems for your foundation, consider hiring a professional to inspect the area and recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance steps.
Ensure your gutters are properly secured to the house
The most common problem that may need foundation repair is the gutters not being secured to the house. This can lead to the gutters coming loose and falling off, causing water damage and mold growth in your home.
To prevent this from happening, make sure you’re using a gutter guard that’s attached to the house to keep them secure. You should also check if there are any cracks or holes in your gutter system where water can infiltrate and cause problems for you down the line.
Make sure the ground slopes away from your home
The ground beneath your house should slant away from the foundation by about 30 degrees. This will allow water that pools on the surface of your foundation to flow away instead of pooling around it, causing foundation cracks and damage.
If you have an older home, it might be difficult to determine whether or not the site slopes away from the house. To check this, dig a trench around your foundation and fill it with water. If water drains out of the trench rather than pooling around your foundation, you’ll need to add more slope to prevent water damage in the future.