Protect Your Foundation from Water
Do you want to avoid water inbasement related foundation problems? If so, you’re making a smart decision. Foundation damage can be costly to get fixed. They are also a big hassle, since removing water from a basement and repairing the damage can take a lot of time and money.
But the good thing is, you can easily avoid having water in basement foundation damage and their associated problems. Today, we’re talking about the five easiest ways to do so.
How to Avoid Foundation Problems
- Have good drainage
The best way to avoid foundation problems is by making sure you have good drainage. This way, you won’t ever have any water in your basement or have to spend money on repairs.
Good drainage can mean several things. First and foremost, the land around your house needs to slope away from its foundation. If it isn’t, you can just add a bit of dense soil. Second, you should have a French drain in place. And lastly, you need a working drainage system outside your basement.
- Make sure your downspouts and gutters work correctly
Make sure your gutters never have leaves or other debris in them. If you forget and they get blocked, you’ll be stuck with foundation damage. You could also end up with a lot of water in your basement. So always keep an eye on the gutters and clean them regularly!
Don’t forget, downspouts should drain away from your home. If they’re pouring out near your house, you’ll end up with foundation problems.
- Ensure your property is in good condition
Inspect your home and its walls regularly. Cracked walls and joints are particularly vulnerable to water damage, so you’ll need to leak-proof them. Also, any loose or broken tile can be a precursor to various foundation problems. As a precaution, you should deal with it as soon as you notice changes or damage.
If a damaged tile ever gets past you and your roof begins leaking, immediately fix the source of the leak.
- Don’t let your soil get dry
Dry soil expands quite a bit if there is any rain. And this expansion can put a lot of pressure on your foundation. So always keep the soil around your house hydrated. Also, avoid planting trees around your home because they can suck out soil moisture.
- Buy a sump pump
Having water in the basement can lead to a lot of flooding and damage to your foundation. A good sump pump can pull rainwater and automatically drain it once the water reaches a certain level.
Remember to do regular tests to make sure the pump works properly.
When to call a professional
While you can protect your foundation yourself, sometimes it is a good idea to outsource your problem to professionals. Companies like Integrity Restoration have experienced workers with all the technical knowledge needed to protect your house from water damage.
We can tell you exactly where you have damage and how you can fix it. Our experts can also give recommendations for improving risky areas that have the potential to damage your house. Give us a call now and set up a meeting.