The first day of spring is here and the cold will begin to fade! However, before you dive into spring planting or other spring activities, take a day, and inspect your foundation. Here are some steps to your spring foundation checklist:
Gutters
- Clean your home’s gutters and downspouts. Cleaning gutters is not a crowd favorite, but it’s important for your foundation. Placing a gutter cap at the top of your gutter makes cleaning more efficient.
- Downspout extensions are also helpful in directing collected water away from your foundation.
Soil
- Take time to look at the soil around your home’s foundation. It is important that the soil is downgrading away from your foundation. If this is not the case, you can add more soil and then create a pathway that will help send water away from your foundation.
- If any bushes or trees are planted close to your home, the roots may interfere with your foundation. Constant pruning of trees and bushes will help deter root growth, helping protect the integrity of your home’s foundation. However, moving your bushes 3-4 feet away from the home is best for foundation protection.
Piping and Plumbing
- Air conditioning units and faucets should be checked for possible leaking. Underneath your home check pipes and fittings to ensure they are secure.
- If there is any hesitation about if they are secure, call your local plumber to make sure everything is in place.