How To Protect Your Home’s Foundation From Water Damage
A home’s foundation is important. It has the responsibility of holding up the whole house. For your home to be structurally sound, the foundation must remain intact. There are several things that can damage the foundation, but water damage is the most common. There are a few things you can watch for and catch any issues before they cause costly damages.
Plumbing Leaks
Water pipes are often a source of excess water. Leaking pipes, even with slow leaks, can lead to multiple types of damage. If you have noticed an increase in your bill, you may have a water leak. Plumbing issues can not only cause the ground to shift, but it can also lead to cracking. Repair leaking plumbing before it can do damage.
Gutter Systems
Your gutter system has the purpose of directing rainwater away from your home. Unfortunately, many people do not think about where the downspouts are draining. Your downspout should be redirecting rainwater at least 10 feet away from your foundation. If necessary, extend your downspout or use flexible drain tubing so that the water is redirected properly. If you notice that your gutters are clogged, we recommend a gutter cleaning service to ensure run off water is directed properly.
Sloping
If your home sits on a downward slope, water can run straight down and settle around your foundation. Walkways and driveways may also begin to slope over time and can be fixed so water does not get directed toward your home. Look for signs of water pooling.
When a home sits at the bottom of a slope, there are a couple helpful things that can be done to redirect water. You can dig a small trench around the perimeter of your home, about five feet from the foundation. Another method is to build up a slope around your foundation with fill dirt.
Cracks and Holes
Your foundation was built to be solid. Over time, settling can occur that may lead to cracking in the foundation. Cracks and holes need to be repaired quickly because they create access points for water entry. It is a good idea to inspect your foundation every six months and repair cracks or holes as you find them.
Water damage can get costly. Fixing excessive damage to a foundation can be difficult enough, but if the foundation damage causes other problems with the rest of the house, the costs increase substantially. It is a good idea to inspect your home regularly. If you notice signs of damage, call a professional as soon as possible.