How Can I Prevent Foundation Damage?

The majority of foundation damage is caused by structural exposure to hydrostatic pressure. If you’re looking for ways to keep that excess water away from your home, it is in your best interest to: 

• Invest in annual home inspections. While you can look over your basement or crawl space on your own, it may be to your benefit to reach out for professional guidance. The contractors in your area can walk you through annual inspections and let you know if it appears that anything may be amiss in your home. 
• Grade your land. One of the simplest ways to protect your home from unwanted water runoff is to check the grade of your land and rework it, if necessary. Your land’s grade can either be positive or negative. Homes with a positive grade drive water away from their perimeters, whereas homes with a negative grade draw water in toward sensitive support structures. If you believe that your home has a negative grade, you can work with professionals to add an inch or two to the soil surrounding your immediate perimeter. 
• Monitor your sprinklers. If you have sprinklers in your yard, you’ll want to use them on a regular basis, as a well-watered lawn is a lawn that’s not likely to let water run straight towards your foundation. That said, you’ll want to keep a wary eye out for leaks, as damage to your sprinkler or interior plumbing can cause you long-term problems in the future. 
• Clean your gutters and downspouts. Your gutters and downspouts work in tandem to drive water away from your home. If you leave your gutters clogged, rain and snow runoff can fall straight down to your home’s perimeter, where it can, in turn, damage your foundation. It is in your best interest to regularly clear out your gutters, especially as the leaves start to fall in autumn. 
• Waterproof your foundation before damage settles in. It is always in your best interest to invest in home waterproofing measures. You can speak with a contractor in your area about what foundation repair or waterproofing solutions—from sump pumps to piering—may best help keep your foundation in one place.  

If you believe you’re experiencing a problem with your foundation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional contractor in your area.