Even the nicest of homes and buildings can end up crumbling if they have a weak foundation. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook the importance of their foundation until it is too late and the damage has been done. This leads to rather costly repairs. You are better off trying to do what you can to prevent the damage from happening in the first place. To keep your foundation in the best shape possible, implement the three tips below.
Perform a perimeter inspection.
Oftentimes, you can prevent something major from happening simply be taking the time to inspect the area for possible defects and deformities. Check for any cracks or breakage. Beyond just the cement foundation, you should also look at the siding, wood, vinyl, brick and any other exterior coverings you have around the property. If you notice that water is pooling around the foundation of your property, you need to have someone come out and do an assessment right away for you. You need to have a clearance around the foundation of your property that spans at least six inches in height.
Ground should slope away from the main foundation.
Take a look at how the ground is around your foundation. Does it slope away from the property or toward the property? Any time the ground is sloping toward the property, the water is going to drain right back toward the foundation and form a pool. That pool of water is going to erode the dirt and other materials and cause your foundation to crack and shift. You need to find out how you can make the water drain away from the property to prevent structural damage.
Trim the foliage.
While plants, shrubbery and trees might look nice and add aesthetic appeal to the outside of your home, you don't want to leave a bunch of them pushing against your home. Trim the branches back as much as possible. Having a bunch of damp items rubbing against your home will harbor dampness and prevent the air from being able to circulate properly. Try planting any foliage at least a foot or so away from your property to maintain airflow and prevent damage to the foundation.
By following the tips above, you might be able to save yourself on costly repairs. You can always discuss your options with a foundation contractor, like Jackson-Cook Cranes, who can come out and inspect the property to see what needs to be done.
