How To Maintain Your Foundation
As a homeowner, you may want to familiarize yourself with a few different important aspects of your building. One of the most important parts of your home is the foundation. Foundations are strong cement walls at the bottom of your building, and they may extend into the ground. If the walls go into the ground then you have a basement and an extensive foundation.
The foundation supports the weight of the home. If the foundation falters, then the walls of the home can shift. The floors can shift and become uneven, making the foundation one of the most important parts of your home. There are a few things that everyone can do to maintain the health of this important structure.
Epoxy, found readily at hardware stores, can seal up hairline cracks in the foundation. The easiest way to see hairline cracks is to wait until the concrete wall is wet. Hairline cracks will present themselves as dark spots. Upon closer inspection you’ll find small lines in the wall. Sealing them up with epoxy prevents them from getting bigger quickly.
The soil around the house can actually push into your foundation, causing problems. This is especially evident when there is a wet period followed by a dry period. The ground swells with the rainwater and then the ground shrinks as the water evaporates, putting undo stress on your home. You can surround your house with rock beds to keep moisture levels consistent. Watering your plants around your house can also keep the ground from shrinking too much.
Low areas around your home can actually pool water. When there is too much water in the ground, it can surge against the walls of your foundation, penetrate the concrete and crack it. Making the ground around your home level can prevent too much water pooling up in one spot.
Faulty plumbing and sprinkler systems can actually lead to damage. Period check of your indoor and outdoor plumbing can prevent an unforeseen leak that can pool water. Pooled water creates unwanted pressure. Outdoor plumbing also includes drainage. A good gutter system gets the water at least three feet away from your home. Extenders are available at hardware stores.
It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but this preventive maintenance can stave off costly foundation repair. In a worst-case scenario, the whole foundation would have to be replaced. A little bit of time and money up-front can save you thousands over this kind of overhaul.