The foundation of your home is everything. It’s the base of your entire home. Repairs can cost as little as 500.00, go as high as 10,000.00, and average 4,000.00. Don’t find yourself in a money pit situation by knowing what to look for, and how to maintain your foundation with these 3 considerations.
Consider Exposing Your Foundation
Because material that is right up to your home’s foundation, like a flower bed or just ground with grass seed on top of it, it encourages the holding of moisture near your foundation. This also encourages ground dwelling creatures and bugs to access your home more than if you had your foundation exposed. Exposing your foundation is more healthy for it, allows it to breathe, and there are ways for you to hide it or make it more attractive if you consider it an unappealing option. What is important is that your home maintains its resale value and integrity while you’re living in it. 6 inches of exposed foundation is the minimum amount for adequate breathing.
Water The Foundation In Times If Drought
Yes, it’s true. Most foundation problems are caused by too much moisture causing movement and damage, contracting and expanding. The opposite has its place in reality as well, a foundation that is too dry can also cause damage. During droughts, the surrounding trees and plants will suck up moisture from the ground, including the moisture in your home’s walls and foundation. Too much moisture or not enough moisture can cause movement and damage. This type of damage is hard to detect. The best thing you can do it times of drought is to actually water the home’s exposed foundation as if you would your grass. If you have any questions or concerns about either condition, consult a professional service for an expert opinion such as a licensed home inspector.
Carefully Inspect and Repair Roof and Gutters as Needed
The most important thing to maintaining a healthy foundation is repairing cracks and leaks before they cause considerable and costly damage to your home. Potential issues are from sitting snow and ice on the roof and gutters not performing their job of bringing water away from the home. The added weight on the roof of too much ice and snow, either melting or sitting, can be too much weight to bear on the walls, and further, the foundation. Falling rain, and melting ice and snow should travel through the gutters and at least 6 feet away from the home’s foundation. Inspect the roof and gutters monthly and after storms to catch any damages early. Another inspection necessary to the process of protecting the foundation is getting your plumbing inspected because leaks here can damage the foundation as well.
