5 Tips for Maintaining Your Home’s Foundation

Homeownership is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Your yearly maintenance to-do list can feel endless, but some of these chores only take a few minutes and can end up saving you hundreds of dollars. One of the most important items on the list is maintaining your home’s foundation.

It might be easy to overlook the foundation of your home because it’s hidden, but it’s an integral part of the stability of the house. Below are five tips for maintaining your home’s foundation.

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If you find large cracks in your foundation, you should call a professional to repair it immediately. You can attempt a DIY fix, but it’s not recommended. Cracks can be an indication of something more serious and expensive beneath the house. You might need a resin injection underpinning to reinforce the stability of your home.

You don’t want to cut any corners when it comes to the foundation of your home. You should work with a reputable company that can get the job done right instead of trying to save money by doing it yourself.

If you are preparing to plant new shrubs or bushes along the perimeter of your home, make sure to keep them at least two to three feet away from the edge of your home. Planting too close to the foundation or letting the roots get unruly can cause them to invade your foundation.

You also want to make sure to keep all plants and shrubs short – preferably about three feet tall. Taller plants require more water to stay healthy. The runoff and drainage from the water can seep into the material and cause expensive damage.

Keeping the moisture level consistent will prevent any weakness or damage from occurring. You don’t want the foundation to get too wet and soggy or so dry it begins to crumble.

Install hoses or soakers to keep the ground moist if you live somewhere that experiences a very dry and warm summer. If you live somewhere that has a wet season, keep your soil graded, so water runs away from your home. Having a clear downspout will help you when it comes to heavy rain.

You should regularly check the foundation, walls, and ceiling for any signs of a leak. Don’t wait to receive professional help if you start to see cracks. Fixing the problem sooner rather than later will prevent you from spending more money than you need to and will even improve your house price.

Once you see large cracks or the wall bowing, call a professional to do the repairs. You might have to stay out of your home for a few days to a few weeks while a company fixes major damage depending on the severity.

Even if you don’t see cracks in the foundation, it’s recommended you have an inspection twice a year. You can also inspect the perimeter of your home yourself. The best way to do this is to look for cracks, walls that are bowing or buckling, sagging roofs, or doors and frames that look like they no longer fit in their spot.

If you catch a problem early, you can avoid major repair work that is costly and can take weeks to complete.

Paying attention to your home’s foundation is essential in keeping yourself and the property safe. Simple home maintenance and routine checks to monitor the foundation’s condition can help you ensure that it stays in shape for years to come.

Published in: Smart home | Author: Lynn