How to Keep Your Foundation Dry: Tips from a Foundation Repair Expert

Every building is a unique structure with its own drainage and waterproofing needs. Waterproofing your home, particularly the foundation, can help improve your property’s health and protect it against water damage. Moisture does not only cause structural problems but also poses some serious health risks. You can keep your basement or foundation dry by following some effective tips and tricks. 

Top 10 Tips For Maintaining Your Foundation

Here are 10 recommendations from foundation repair professionals that can help you maintain a dry and healthy foundation:

1. Fill Cracks

The most important tip to keep your foundation dry is to repair cracks that could be causing water damage. Check your foundation walls and floors for cracks and gaps. However, you should immediately seek professional assistance if you notice any of the following:

• Cracks that are wider at one end
• Cracks that grow over time
• Cracks larger than 1/4 inch
• Stairstep cracks in brick walls
• Horizontal or diagonal cracks in the walls

2. Trim the Shrubs Close to Your Foundation

Do not plant shrubs or any other vegetation close to your home’s foundation, and if you do, do not let them get too large. Shrubs and trees should be at least 3 feet away from your home so their roots do not disrupt your foundation. Trim them regularly so that they do not damage your home’s foundation. 

3. Ensure Consistent Water Levels Around Your Foundation

Another effective tip to keep your foundation dry is to maintain consistent moisture levels around it. Do not let the soil around your foundation become too wet or dry. The reason is that the expansion or contraction of extremely dry or wet soil can lead to foundation cracks. Follow the tips below to maintain consistent moisture levels in your foundation soil. 

• Ensure adequate yard grading so water flows away from your foundation.
• Moisten the soil around your home using a lawn sprinkler in the summer.
• Maintain gutters and downspouts to keep water from pooling around your home 

4. Redirect Water Away From Your Basement

Take effective steps to channel excess water away from your home. If not properly channeled away, it can seep into your foundation and cause immense damage. Redirect water out of your basement by taking these measures:

• Install a sump pump to collect extra water during heavy rainfall or flooding.
• Keep the gutters and downspouts clean. Clogged gutters allow water to accumulate around your foundation, which can enter the foundation and lead to problems related to moisture. 

5. Check for Signs of Moisture 

Many of the utilities in your basement or crawl space have pipes that can leak.  Any leaks in these systems can cause water to accumulate around the basement, which ultimately leads to a wet and damaged foundation. Frequent foundation inspections should be conducted to check for potential leaks. Make sure that you don’t have standing water, condensation, or other signs of moisture issues. 

6. Install a Root Barrier 

Apart from planting shrubbery at a safe distance, make sure that the tree roots also stay away from your foundation. Tree roots can cause significant damage to your foundation. As they grow larger, they press against your foundation and move slowly. The movement of growing roots can absorb moisture from the soil surrounding your foundation and create voids. These voids can enlarge and lead to soil settlement. Therefore, you must install a root barrier to prevent the roots from invading your foundation and causing damage. 

7. Ensure Proper Grading 

Homeowners should check and confirm that the soil around the basement is properly graded. Water should flow away from your home instead of accumulating around it. To achieve this, your yard should slope away from the foundation. Maintain the gutters and downspouts in proper working condition so that they channel water away. 

8. Keep Track of Foundation Repairs

Regularly inspect your foundation at least twice a year to ensure it remains in good condition. You might need to inspect it more often in case you notice any signs of leakage or moisture-related problems. Apart from maintenance, you can also keep a record of problems or changes occurring over time, such as cracks or soil settling. Having a foundation log allows you to stay updated on your foundation’s health and maintenance needs. 

9. Inspect the Plumbing Regularly 

Plumbing leaks can lead to water accumulating around your foundation. Water can penetrate through the cracks in foundation walls and floors and cause serious damage. Conduct annual plumbing tests to maintain a dry foundation and avoid costly repairs. 

10. Call Foundation Repair Professionals

Call foundation experts for annual foundation checkups and maintenance. Minor foundation problems like small cracks can be fixed. However, only professionals can easily identify the root cause of damage. They possess the expertise and in-depth industry knowledge required to fix problems. They have the necessary equipment and tools to detect early signs of foundation damage. Timely detection and repairs of foundation problems can save you from expensive repairs in the future. 

Contact Foundation Repair Professionals to Maintain a Dry Foundation

A  dry and well-maintained foundation helps to protect the structural integrity of your home. You can keep your foundation dry by conducting regular foundation inspections and looking for signs of damage. Seek assistance from foundation experts to keep your property free from moisture and avoid costly repairs.