When it comes to avoiding costly foundation repairs, there are a few things you can proactively do to protect yourself and your property.
The main contributor of foundation issues is an oversupply of water or a lack of water. Therefore, minimizing water damage to your foundation is one of the best ways to avoid costly foundation repairs. There’s not a lot we can do about droughts; however, we can do a quite a bit about an abundance of water against our foundation.
This is a list of simple acts, yet effective ways to keep your foundation from being overwhelmed by water:
Proper drainage
Maintain proper drainage around the entire structure of your property. Positive drainage is essential for water to drain away from the property instead of against the property. This helps maintain the integrity of the foundation. If you have shrubbery or flower beds around your home, they should be sloped away from the foundation. Always ensure the soil is not flat or sloped towards the foundation.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are essential aspects to avoid costly foundation repairs. They help move the rainwater from the rooftop away from the foundation. When possible, it is highly recommended for your downspout lines to be placed at least 12 feet or more away from the property to the lowest area for best water removal.
French Drain Systems
French drain systems buried at the footer of your foundation are a great way to help control water and moisture around the foundation. However, these types of systems often require professional installation due to the depth of installation requirements and other waterproofing products that may need to be installed along with it.
Drainage System Maintenance
It is important to perform routine maintenance to ensure your foundation remains water and moisture-free. The proper annual maintenance service will also keep the earth around your foundation stabilized.
Foundation Hydration
During droughts, you can hydrate your foundation by watering it like you do your lawn. If you have a sprinkler system, you are already in good standing. If not, you may want to invest in a sprinkler system that will allow water to reach the foundation without over-watering. The key is to prevent shrinking of the soil around the foundation.
Have you seen foundation issues around your property? Cracks, shifting, water damage? Call The Waterproof Group at 678-223-4948 for a free quote today!