Keeping Water Away from Your Foundation
In order for your home to last, it needs a solid foundation. If the foundation is compromised it could lead to expensive repairs, or sustain irreparable damage. So the best thing you can do is prevent damage to your foundation.
There are many ways a foundation can become damaged, such as earthquakes, tree roots, or extreme temperatures, but the most common is water damage. It will weaken and compromise your foundation. When water collects around the base of your home from rain, snow, or broken pipes, it will saturate the soil causing the foundation to expand and shift. Pressure on the walls of the foundation will begin to crack and leak water into the home. This can lead to electrical issues, structural damage, and mold growth. There are a few ways to keep the water away from your foundation.
Proper Drainage
The best way to keep water away from the foundation is to check for proper drainage. Ensure your home is graded away from the foundation, and the soil slopes at least 6 inches within 10 feet from the home. That will help to prevent moisture from collecting under the foundation. If you have a basement, make sure it has a functioning exterior drainage system to carry extra water away from the home.
Clean Gutters
Make sure to keep your gutters clean from leaves and debris to keep water from overflowing onto the walls and down towards the foundation. If you don’t already have them, consider adding screens to your gutters to help with blockage. Make sure that the downspouts are at least 10 feet away from the home.
Regular Maintenance
Ensure you do the regular maintenance of your home to keep it in excellent condition and check for any leaks or water damage. Checking the basement for any signs of leaks after a rain storm could prevent a larger problem in the future. If you notice any water coming into the basement, check on the outside of that location to see where the problem is stemming from on the exterior of your home.
Check the Soil
If the soil around your home completely dries out, it may shrink and create flooding during the next heavy rainfall. To prevent this from happening, check your soil during the dry season and keep it moist.
Sump Pump
If you have a basement, the sump pump can help with flooding prevention and water damage to your foundation. Perform tests throughout the year to make sure your pump is working properly. If a bad storm occurs, and the sump pump is not working, this can result in a basement full of water because that is what your house relies on during a storm.
Forensic Engineering Specialists
Engineering Specialists Inc. has nearly 30 years of field experience in analyzing the damage to vehicles, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. We can work on any project in any state, nationwide. When you or your business needs to confirm the extent of damage or how to correct a problem, email us at office@esinationwide.com or call us, toll-free, at (877) 559-4010.
