Preventative Measures to Protect Your Foundation
/At Foundation Fix, we are happy to offer foundation repairs to homeowners throughout the Niagara Region. That being said, we haven’t met a single homeowner who wouldn’t have preferred to be able to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
The good news is that if you want to prevent foundation damage to your Niagara home, there are some simple preventative measures that you can take, including the following:
Inspect the perimeter of your home
Foundation damage generally starts out small. If you can catch minor problems early, you can have them addressed before they become major problems. This is why you should inspect the perimeter of your home for cracks and breaks, and other signs of damage. If you notice something that doesn’t look right, contact a foundation repair specialist.
Look for water pooling around your foundation
After a heavy rainfall, it is a good idea to go outside and inspect your home to see if there is any water pooling around your foundation. If there is water around your foundation, it could indicate that you require better drainage or that your property is not properly graded.
Ensure the ground is sloping away from your home
Doing this will prevent water from pooling around your foundation. If you find that the ground is level or even sloping toward your home, contact someone who can grade your lawn for you.
Keep an eye on changes around your property
For example, if your neighbour has their landscaping redone, it may affect the drainage in your yard. You’ll also want to watch out for soil erosion around your own property.
Clean and inspect your gutters
Because your gutters are on your roof, you may not think about how they affect your foundation. But your home’s gutters are there to direct water away from your home. When they are leaky or filled with debris, they can’t do their job, and water may begin to pool around your foundation. Ensure that your gutters are in good condition and that they remain free of dirt and debris.
Inspect your downspouts
Are your downspouts directing water far away enough from your home’s foundation? Inspect them to ensure that they are in good condition and if they aren’t, replace them. And if your downspouts are in good condition but not directing water far enough, pick up an extension at your local hardware store.
Keep foliage in check
If you have trees and other plants growing around your property, ensure that they aren’t growing too close to your home. Foliage that is right against your home can trap moisture which can be damaging to your foundation. If you have trees and other foliage near your home, cut them back as needed.
Contact Foundation Fix today!
While prevention is always the best solution, there will still be times when you need the help of a professional foundation repair company. If you have noticed issues with the foundation of your Niagara home, give us a call today to book an inspection with one of our foundation repair specialists.
