A strong foundation is the core of a lasting home. Without a solid foundation, your home’s structure could be put in jeopardy. Moisture is one of the leading reasons why home foundations deteriorate. This is because any saturated soil surrounding your foundation can cause cracks and leaks—which can lead to a whole slew of other problems.
Water that seeps into your foundation can result in electrical hazards, mold growth, and slab movement. Continue reading to learn more about how water damages your home’s foundation and what you can do to prevent it.
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How Do I Know If Water Is Damaging My Foundation?
At first, you probably won’t even realize that water has found its way into your foundation. Not until you start noticing uneven surfaces, cracks in the walls, and major structural damage. Plus, your home can fall susceptible to electrical hazards and harmful mold.
If you begin noticing the signs of foundation damage and leaks, contact Cleanup & Total Restoration—the largest independently owned and operated restoration company in Idaho.
How Long Does It Take for Water to Damage a Foundation?
Damage to your foundation doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it could take years before you begin to notice the signs of water damage. However, some early signs of foundation damage can include electrical issues and the unpleasant stench of mold.
Recently had a water disaster? Let our structural engineers evaluate your home to nip any chance of structural damage in the bud. Our team uses cutting-edge equipment to return your property back to its pre-loss condition and reverse the effects of foundation damage. There’s no need to worry about foundation damage when you have Cleanup & Total Restoration on your side.
Read More: Is It Normal To Have Water In My Crawl Space?
How To Keep Water Away From House Foundation
Think your foundation might be susceptible to water damage? Safeguard your foundation starting today with the help of Cleanup & Total Restoration.
The best way to prevent your foundation from water damage is by keeping any excess water away from your house. There are four ways you can do this:
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Maintain Gutters
Clogged gutters aren’t just an annoyance. Gutters that are packed with debris can lead to water spillage all over your yard. This excess water will eventually seep into your foundation. Luckily, you can avoid this by cleaning your gutters twice a year or hiring a professional to clean them for you.
If you don’t have gutters or need gutter replacement services, ensure that you find an experienced technician to install them properly.
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Install Sump Pump
Is your basement leaking? Sometimes groundwater from oversaturated soil can leak into your basement or crawl space. A sump pump is an effective way to combat this problem. Sump pumps collect and drain groundwater away from your property in the event of a flood or basement leak.
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Improve Drainage
Good drainage is essential for every home, so ensure that the ground surrounding your home is graded correctly. To properly grade your home, keep the soil slope at six inches for every 10 feet away from the foundation. If this isn’t attainable, add denser soil to create the right amount of grading. You can even install a French drain around your foundation to direct water downhill.
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Remove Foliage Around House
Finally, it’s smart to remove any nearby trees from your home. While trees definitely do look beautiful, they come with some repercussions. Falling leaves can clog your gutters fast if you don’t regularly clean them. Trees can also have invasive root systems that can destroy your home’s foundation over time.
Should I Water My House Foundation To Prevent It From Cracking?
This section will sound counterintuitive, but Cleanup & Total Restoration recommends that you water your foundation to prevent cracks. Regularly watering your foundation in the summer keeps the soil around your home moist. Otherwise, the dirt around your home can dry out and shrink, which can affect the integrity of your foundation.
Water your foundation twice a day during the summer months and taper your routine off during the colder months. The goal is to keep a consistent moisture level throughout the soil around your foundation. Be careful not to overwater.
Read More: How to Repair Water Damage on Drywall & Ceilings
Expert Structural Evaluation & Cleaning From CTR
If you have recently suffered through a major flood or water disaster, then you shouldn’t waste another moment. Call the certified technicians at Cleanup & Total Restoration for emergency structural services, regardless of what day it is. Our structural engineers evaluate your home from the foundation up to ensure that you get the most comprehensive service.
Contact our team today at (208) 856-6012, and we will be on your property within minutes of your call. Think you have structural damage, but you’re not sure? Fill out our online form to receive a free estimate from the disaster pros you can trust.
