Spring is the rainy season in the Midwest. That correlates to wet crawl spaces, basements, and foundations. Especially if you have not diverted water away from the foundation of your home. "How can I keep water away from my foundation and protect my home?", you ask. Great question!! Here are a few ways to avoid costly repairs to the foundation of your home and in the process make the exterior of your home a little more eye-pleasing.
A Little Trim Goes a Long Way
If you have shrubbery that is hugging the side of your home so closely you think it's time for the two of them to get a room, then it sounds like it's time for a little trim. Keep the plants short (3 feet or less), small, and away, approximately 3 feet, from the foundation. Taller plants need more water. More water means foundation issues. Foundation issues mean money out of your pocket. Money out of your pocket means you can't go to France when for your 25th wedding anniversary in two years. Wait, sorry, that's my dream vacay. But, you get the picture. Short, small, and away from the foundation.
Fill Those Cracks
No, we're not talking about the infamous plumbers crack (sorry, plumbers), We're talking about the cracks you see in the foundation of your home. If you can't see the foundation of your home because of the landscaping, see above! Hairline cracks are common as the house settles. Anything bigger than that should be sealed. If your foundation has a crack that is larger than 1/4", it's best to call out the professionals to take a look. And, we hope, it goes without saying, if you have bulging in your basement walls, please call the professionals. This is not, we repeat, not a DIY project for you and the crew on a weekend. Bulging means structural issues.
Consistency is Key
So, too much moisture around the foundation, not good. However, here's the kicker, not enough moisture around the foundation is just as bad. Luckily, here in Indiana, we don't have to contend with droughts very often, but it does get dry at times. When it hasn't rained in a while, we see the ground crack, begging for rain. When the big rains hit, the ground will greedily soak up that water, swell and expand into the foundation. So plant those flowers and shrubs and water them regularly to keep the ground nice, even moist. (Yep, we know, that word.)
Drainage at Its Best
Downspouts and gutters are a couple of the easiest to fix issues when it comes to water around a foundation. Clogged gutters can make a very interesting waterfall at your home, just not a calming, peaceful waterfall. Clear the gutters of any debris that may accumulate and invest in downspouts that divert the water at least 10 feet from the foundation. There are plastic white downspouts that lift up when you mow around the house or, better yet, recessed/buried extensions that make mowing so... much... easier...
Check the Foundation on the Reg
At the very least, yearly checks of the foundation, whether you have a basement, crawl space or slab, will ensure that you have caught any issues before they become big 'ole pain in the patooty. Don't forget the sprinkler system. Leaks in the lines lead to disasters in the foundation. If you just can't fathom crawling around in your dark crawlspace (we really do not blame you! Ick!) phone a friend. Or you can call us to perform a quick foundation inspection. Our guys LOVE crawl spaces. 888-400-2740
