How to Prevent Home Foundation Problems in Dallas

To effectively safeguard your Dallas home from foundation problems, it helps to know a little about North Texas soil. Much of the region’s soil is what is known as gumbo mud, or expansive soil. Expansive soil acts like a sponge, expanding during rainy seasons and contracting during dry seasons. This fluctuation can increase soil volume by more than 10%, putting enormous stress on your home’s foundation. Over time, shifting soil under and around your foundation can cause it to tilt or sink, which then puts your home’s entire structure at risk of damage.

Of course, you can’t very well move a home with a foundation that’s built on expansive soil, but there are several steps you can take to prevent the soil from soaking up too much water. In fact, controlling the amount of water that collects on your property is one of the best preventive measures.

Clean Your Rain Gutters Regularly

Gutters clogged with debris won’t be able to effectively channel rainwater through the downspouts and away from your home. Instead, water will pour over the sides and pool on the ground near your foundation, eventually seeping into it and causing moisture damage. Foundation experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year to ensure that they can divert rainwater properly. Also, make sure the downspouts drain at least 10 feet from your Dallas home. If necessary, extend the downspouts. Additionally, if your gutters are dysfunctional, it’s important to look for gutter installation services to restore their functionality.

Make Sure Your Landscape Slopes Away From the House

Landscaping should be graded to slope away from your home. As a general rule, the ground should slope 6 inches for every 10 feet to keep water moving away from your foundation and prevent it from pooling on your property. The ground can shift and settle over time, so it’s important to check for any low or sunken spots around the perimeter of your foundation. If you find any, fill these in with dense soil as needed.

Install a French Drain System

A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock and containing a perforated pipe that directs surface water away from the house. French drains are particularly useful for homes built on hills or slopes because they operate under the principle that water flows downhill and by the easiest route possible. After water runs into the trench, it flows freely through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house. If your lawn is frequently soggy or your driveway often floods, whether due to pooling rainwater or a badly designed irrigation system, you most likely need a French drain.

Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement

No matter how hard you try to prevent it, sometimes groundwater from oversaturated soil will seep into your basement. Sump pumps are 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.

What Happens If I Don’t Address Drainage Problems?

Allowing drainage problems to continue on your property can lead to numerous issues down the road. Most importantly, you may eventually experience foundation issues that will need to be addressed. Uneven floors, cracks in your masonry or drywall, and doors that are constantly sticking are all signs that your foundation may be damaged. You’ll then need to look into foundation repair service to restore the safety and structural integrity of your Dallas home.

Need Professional Drainage Services for Your Home?

Ecoscape Foundation & Home Services is a leading foundation repair and drainage services company serving homeowners in the greater Dallas, Texas, area. You can rely on our professionals for gutter installation, new French drains, and sump pump installation services that can provide you with the drainage services that will protect your home from costly water damage. Additionally, you can turn to us for foundation services as well, as we offer the comprehensive services you need to keep your Dallas home safe and structurally sound.

If you need to improve the drainage around your home or suspect that your foundation is damaged, contact us today. We offer free, informative consultations that include a no-obligation estimate, and we’d be happy to provide you with the dedicated services that meet your needs in the greater Dallas, TX, area.