How Can I Protect My Foundation From Water?
For a home to last, it needs a strong foundation. As the base of the home, a foundation supports the entire structure, but when the foundation is compromised, so are the home’s other components.
Moisture is one of the chief causes of degraded home foundations. When water collects around your house for one reason or another, the saturated soil around the foundation expands, putting pressure on the foundation. This can result in foundation cracks and leaks that allow water to seep into the foundation and cause electrical hazards and mold growth. Not only that, but a weakened foundation will move, and that movement will travel up your home, leading to wall cracks, uneven floors, and, eventually, major structural damage to the house.
To prevent any such costly scenario, keep water away from your property as much as possible. Here are a few steps you can take:
Maintain Good Drainage
First, make sure the ground around your house is graded properly. Most experts recommend that the soil slope 6 inches for every 10 feet away from the foundation. If this is not the case, add dense soil to create proper grading that will allow water to flow downhill away from the home.
Install a French Drain Around Your Foundation
A French drain is a gravel- or rock-filled trench with an embedded perforated pipe that directs water away from the house. French drains operate under the principle that water flows downhill and by the easiest route possible. After water runs into the trench, it flows through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house. Depending on your situation, you may need a French drain on one side of your home or on several sides.
Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when groundwater from oversaturated soil seeps into your basement. Sump pumps are specialized pumps designed to reduce below-ground saturation. They are usually placed underneath a basement floor or the floor of a crawl space. The pump collects groundwater to prevent it from entering any cracks in the foundation and then directs the water away from the home.
Clean Your Rain Gutters Regularly
When gutters are clogged with debris, water won’t drain away properly and can spill over the sides, pool in your yard, and eventually seep into the foundation. Fortunately, you can easily avoid this by cleaning your gutters at least twice every year, and while you’re doing that, check your gutter system for any necessary repairs. If your gutters are badly damaged, or if you don’t have gutters at all, contact a gutter professional. Gutter installation is an easy and cost-effective way to protect your foundation and the rest of your home.
Ecoscape Foundation & Home Services, a leading foundation repair company serving North Texas communities, installs French drains, sump pumps, and gutter systems as part of our drainage services to protect homes from costly water damage. For more information, contact us today. We offer free, informative consultations that include a no-obligation estimate.
