Spring is here and for most homeowners they are unaware of the challenges the season change will bring when it comes to protecting their foundation. As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more common. This increases the moisture in soil and can put stress on your home’s foundation. If homeowners don’t take the right precautions, spring may bring foundation cracks, water damage, and soil shifting which lead to costly foundation repairs. Luckily, in this blog, we’ll discuss a few proactive steps during spring, homeowners can take to help maintain foundation and avoid any issues down the road.
Take A Look At Your Foundation for Winter Damage
Winter can cause damage in your home’s foundation, especially in areas with cold temperatures like Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas. As spring arrives, it’s crucial to do a thorough inspection on your home’s foundation. If you have a slab on grade foundation do a quick walk around the exterior and look for cracks in the foundation, gaps in bring and mortar or concrete, or signs of shifting soil. Inside, look for cracks on walls, difficult to open and close doors or windows, and slanted floors, as these can be the first sign of foundation movement. By catching these small issues early, you may be able to prevent the foundation damage from becoming a major structural problem.
Look For Proper Drainage Around Your Home
One of the biggest threats to a home’s foundation in the spring is excess water. Especially if you live in the northern states where melting snow, seasonal rains, and poor drainage can cause water to pool around the foundation. This causes hydrostatic pressure to increase and causes cracks, dampness, or leaks. To prevent this from occurring, take a look at your gutters and water drainage system. Check if they are clean and functional. See if your downspouts are directing water away from your home. Additionally, check if the soil around your property is sloping away from the foundation to prevent water from accumulating near the perimeter of your home.
Check Your Gutters
Most homeowners overlook damage or clogged gutters. This can contribute to foundation problems by letting water overflow and seep into the soil near your home and flooding the area around your home. Those gutters capture all the water that is landing on your roof and will need to be properly diverted away from your home to prevent water build up and damage. As part of your spring maintenance, you should clean out leaves and debris from gutters to make sure they have proper flow. If you notice that your gutters are slanted or separating from your home, you should consider repairing or replacing them. This will help prevent water from spilling over and puddling near the foundation. If you have issues with leaves landing and clogging your gutters, consider installing gutter guards to reduce buildup and improve drainage.
Fix Foundation Cracks Before They Get Worse
Small cracks in your foundation may not seem like a big deal, but they get worse as heat cycles occur. As items get hot and cold they expand and contract, which makes cracks worse over time. If you discover minor cracks, you should consider sealing them with an appropriate waterproof sealant to temporarily stop further damage. However, if the cracks are wide, deep, or worsen over time, you should consult a professional foundation repair specialist to help with the situation.
Control Soil Moisture Levels
Spring’s rainy weather can cause soil around your home to expand and contract. This puts stress on the foundation. In a place like Fort Worth and Dalla,s Texas, soil absorbs lots of moisture in a short period of time. If the soil becomes too saturated, it can create pressure that will cause your foundation to shift. These problems are made worse if the soil was dry before. After a long stint of no rain it can cause the soil to shrink and when it becomes saturated it quickly expands. This will make the foundation settle unevenly. To prevent this issue from occurring you should maintain a constant moisture, consider installing a foundation watering system or strategically placing mulch around the perimeter of your home to retain moisture and prevent extreme soil shifts.
Look for Signs of Poor Drainage Indoors
Foundation problems don’t always start with rain. They can sometimes occur from the inside of your home. The first signs could possibly appear from the plumbing in your home. If you notice damp spots, odors, or mold in your basement or crawl space, this could be a sign there is water coming from your home and may cause foundation problems. Installing a sump pump or a French drain system can help manage excess water and protect your home’s structural integrity. If water continues, a foundation repair professional, like Maestro’s Foundation Repair, can check if additional waterproofing measures are needed.
Landscaping and Tree Roots
Spring is the time when plants start to grow. It’s important to be mindful of how landscaping affects your home’s foundation. For example, tree roots can extend beneath the ground, absorbing moisture from the soil and causing uneven foundation settling. Tree roots dry out the nearby soil can and when a rainy day occurs it causes movement in the soil. Additionally, If trees are planted too close to your home, their roots can exert pressure on the foundation or even cause cracks. If a tree is overgrown, consider consulting with a landscaper to determine whether a tree needs to be relocated or removed.
Schedule a Professional Foundation Inspection
Even if you don’t see obvious foundation damage, scheduling a professional inspection in the spring can help identify issues before they get worse. A foundation expert can assess your home’s structural stability, check for early signs of movement, and perform preventative maintenance to maintain your foundation. Considering investing in regular inspections. They can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs by catching problems early. By addressing drainage issues, looking for foundation cracks, maintaining soil moisture, and keeping an eye on indoor and outdoor warning signs, homeowners can prevent foundation repairs from getting too expensive. If you suspect foundation issues or want expert advice, contact Maestro’s Foundation Repair for a professional evaluation and tailored solutions.