Although you may not think about it much, you need your home’s foundation to be good and strong; otherwise you can end up with some very expensive and worrisome problems. Trust us; you don’t want that at all.
That’s why it is so important for you to take care of your foundation in every way you can. Make sure that you keep your foundation in –tip-top shape by doing the following:
- Inspect your perimeter: Look for cracks or breakage. Look to see if the exterior coverings are at least half a foot above the foundation’s bottom. Remember, you want to prevent moisture from seeping into your foundation. So clear any dirt or debris away from the clearance to avoid the moisture problem.
- Don’t ever let the ground slope toward your foundation. Ensure that the ground slopes away from your foundation so that water will flow away from it and not into it.
- If you notice that there is water pooling around various parts of your foundation, fix it immediately. You can fill those areas with dirt to make sure than the pooling stops.
- Be mindful of the changes that are made around your property. For instance, if your neighbor does some work on their drainage system, yours can be affected too. Take steps to counteract any possible problems that may arise.
- Maintain your gutters. Make sure they’re clean, debris-free and leak-free because if they aren’t they may lead to water damage in your foundation due to overflowing and more.
- Check out your downspouts too. Make sure they are leak-free and are carrying water away from your home effectively, instead of dumping it right next to your foundation.
- Plants and vines that are against your home can cause damage to your foundation. They can hinder the air circulation process and they can even cause dampness to settle around the foundation. They can even take up all the moisture that is needed to prevent foundation cracks from occurring. Keep an eye on the foliage near your foundation.
- Soak your foundation during very dry periods in the dry season. This can prevent the foundation’s spoil from drying up and shrinking, thus upsetting your foundation.
Your foundation is one of the most important aspects of your home because it supports your entire house. Even if you don’t think of your foundation as your first floor, your house does. Both the structure and the air quality of your basement have an effect on that part of your home that you live and sleep in. Wood rot, cracks, mould, moisture, water and pests can all cause harmful damage to your living spaces and the people who occupy them. Most can be attributed to foundation problems.
