Keeping a home foundation in good condition is important. Remember the following tips if you want to ensure your home’s foundation is trouble-free for years.
1. Keep Shrubs Trimmed
Have you planted shrubs near the home’s foundation? You should keep them short and small, ideally no more than 36 inches high.
The problem with tall plants is they need more water to thrive, and putting a lot of water around the foundation is a recipe for problems.
Experts recommend planting shrubs at least three feet from the foundation.
2. Beware Of Big Trees Near The Foundation
Who doesn’t love how a huge tree looks in front of their house? However, a large, gorgeous tree can pose a real threat to the home’s foundation.
Big trees need a lot of moisture to thrive. It’s possible for one big tree to need more than 100 gallons of water daily. It’s possible for the tree to absorb moisture from the surrounding soil via the transpiration process.
Over months and years, transpiration can remove enough moisture from around the foundation to cause damage.
That’s why it’s recommended to avoid planting the following trees near the home:
- Live oak
- Maples
- Elms
- Chinese pistach
- Bradford pear
The above trees have strong, deep roots that can crack the foundation. It’s best to plant trees at least as far as the tree’s canopy from the home.
Also, before even having a foundation poured, it’s important to ensure the ground is in good enough condition to support the new structure. Ground improvement services will make sure the soil is prepped for the new home’s foundation.
3. Fill Foundation Cracks
Did you ever see small cracks in your foundation? You should have a qualified contractor repair them as soon as you can.
The cracks should be cleaned, allowed to dry, and carefully filled with a foundation repair product. Keep an eye on small cracks to make sure they don’t get worse.
If the foundation develops a large crack, you could be in for a major repair bill, so it’s best to do what you can to avoid them.
4. Don’t Forget The Root Barrier
A root barrier will prevent potential foundation issues if large trees are on the property. An invasive root system can damage the foundation, driveway, and sidewalks. In some situations, large tree roots can even damage sewer lines.
Trees that may affect your home’s foundation include American Elm, Live Oaks, Magnolias, and Silver Maples.
It’s good to install a root barrier about 30 inches deep made of thick rubber to block large tree roots.
5. Check For Water Leaks Outside
There are many things around the perimeter of the home that may need underground water, especially sprinkler systems and inground pools. If these systems leak, the foundation may get wet, which will eventually cause damage.
To avoid this problem, have a licensed plumber check these underground water systems every one or two years. They can find small leaks and mend them before they become a big headache.
Perform Annual Foundation Inspections
You may not see obvious foundation cracks, but it’s smart to conduct an annual foundation inspection. Walk around the home and look for buckling walls, cracks, sagging roofs, or out of whack doors and window frames.
If you see signs there might be a foundation problem, have a reputable contractor do an inspection. The good news is that being proactive can catch problems before they become both severe and expensive.
Keeping a home’s foundation in good condition is a smart investment. By taking the simple actions above, you will ensure the foundation of your home will last for many years.