Your Yearly Foundation Maintenance To-Dos: Protect Your Home From the Ground Up
Your home’s foundation is its silent protector, providing stability and safety for everything above it. However, this essential structure doesn’t maintain itself. Over time, factors like weather and changing soil conditions can compromise your foundation, leading to costly repairs if left unchecked.
Yearly foundation maintenance is key to preserving the long-term stability of your home. By dedicating a little time each year to a few simple tasks, you can keep your foundation in great shape and prevent problems before they start.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
Foundation maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. As one of the most vital parts of your home, your foundation requires proactive attention to address potential issues before they become costly problems. To help you get started, here are a few essential tasks to include in your yearly maintenance routine.
#1: Evaluate and Improve Drainage Systems
Start by evaluating how water moves around your property. During a rainstorm, step outside and observe any areas where water pools or flows toward your home. Ideally, the ground should slope at least five degrees downward to channel runoff safely away from your foundation.
If you discover that your property struggles with poor drainage, explore options like installing or upgrading gutters and downspouts to redirect water more effectively. Identifying and addressing these problems quickly helps ensure your foundation remains sound.
#2: Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear of debris is one of the simplest ways to prevent water from accumulating near your foundation. As leaves fall, clean your gutters and repair any damaged sections to ensure water flows freely.
If needed, extend your downspouts to direct water at least 3-4 feet away from your home and avoid letting them drain into flower beds, which can oversaturate the soil near your foundation.
#3: Install Yard Drains in Fall
Yard drain installations can be another great solution for redirecting water away from your foundation and improving overall drainage on your property.
If you’re considering installing yard drains, fall is the ideal time to do it. With grass already dormant, any visible disruptions from the process will be minimal, ensuring your lawn will be in top shape by spring.
#4: Prepare for Freezing Temperatures
Before freezing weather sets in, cover outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes. This simple step helps reduce the risk of leaks and water damage occurring near your foundation.
Additionally, store soaker hoses after summer to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Appropriately maintaining these tools and keeping them in good condition ensures they’re ready for next year’s use.
#5: Manage Soil Moisture Levels Throughout the Year
Maintaining consistent moisture levels in the soil around your home year-round is essential for protecting your foundation. Extreme weather, such as heat or prolonged dry spells, can cause soil to dry out, shrink or shift, which can lead to uneven settling and potential cracks.
Help guard against structural issues by evenly watering the soil around your foundation consistently throughout the year. Be sure to avoid overwatering or creating pools, as excess moisture can also destabilize your foundation.
#6: Trim Nearby Foliage
Think of your foundation as needing a little breathing room. Overgrown shrubs, vines, and plants close to your home can trap moisture, leading to potential water damage. Keep the area around your home clear by trimming back foliage regularly. This helps improve airflow, prevents moisture buildup and helps preserve the stability of your foundation.
#7: Observe Tree Roots
Trees are a beautiful addition to any yard, but their roots can be trouble for your foundation if not managed carefully. Before planting, take the time to research how a tree’s root system grows and spreads to confirm it’s a safe choice for your property.
When you plant new trees, be sure to position them at least the width of their mature canopy away from your home. If you already have trees with roots creeping too close to your home, consult an arborist before taking action. They can guide you on how to manage or remove the roots safely without disrupting the surrounding soil or harming the tree unnecessarily.
#8: Regularly Check for Foundation Cracks
Walk around your home and inspect your foundation for cracks or signs of movement. While small cracks can be a normal part of settling, larger ones may signal shifting and require professional attention.
#9: Monitor for Underground Leaks
Regularly check your water meter for unexplained increases and inspect areas near plumbing for signs of dampness, water accumulation or other damage. Hidden plumbing leaks can allow water to seep into the soil, compromising your foundation’s stability. If left unchecked, even a small leak can quickly escalate into significant issues and expensive repairs.
#10: Schedule Regular Foundation Inspections
Schedule foundation inspections at least once every few years. While performing regular maintenance yourself is essential to sustaining the integrity of your structure, there’s no replacement for a professional’s expertise. An inspection can uncover hidden structural weaknesses or early signs of soil movement that might go unnoticed during routine checks.
Is It Time for An Inspection?
Don’t wait for minor problems to become major repairs. If you’ve spotted any signs of foundation issues during your maintenance routine, give us a call today to schedule your no-pressure, free evaluation. Our team is here and ready to provide detailed assessments and tailored solutions to help keep your home strong and secure for years to come.