The last thing any homeowner wants to find is damage to their foundation. Repairing cracked foundation can be costly. Often the problems are caused by the soil under the foundation. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) says that the number one disaster in the United States is flooding, which accounts for nearly $3 billion in claims each year. More than 26% of homeowner’s insurance claims were from water damage in 2013 and more than 98% of homes with basements will have some sort of water damage.
What Can You Do To Prevent The Need For Foundation Repair? Here Are Some Tips.
- Use epoxy on small cracks. You can buy something to fix small cracks in concrete yourself, saving you from having to call in foundation repair contractors .
- Keep the foundation moisture levels consistent. During the dry season, you should try to keep it a little moist, though don’t add a bunch of water to it. Put in rock beds about two feet from the foundation and that should keep it moist enough. Don’t plant anything less than two feet from the foundation. This will prevent them from directing water to the foundation.
- Control and watch drainage. Gutters and downspouts can keep water from being pushed towards your foundation.
- Watch for any water that might collect or puddle in lower lying areas. You may need a pump to remove any water that does collect. If you see this often, you might need to consult a professional to prevent problems.
- Install a water barrier. If the soil around your home is really wet and you cannot change that, make sure it is at least five feet deep.
- Consider erosion control systems. When the grade is extreme and there is a possibility of erosion, these can protect the foundation.
- Make sure the soil slopes down. The incline needs to drop six inches for every 10 feet to keep water moving away from the foundation during rainstorms.
- Inspect the foundation yearly. Cracks and other problems can be fixed easier when found earlier, which could prevent the expenses associated with repairing cracked foundation. Any crack more than a fourth of an inch wide need your attention.
Basements are often the site of cracks in a home’s foundation. This is why basement waterproofing can be so crucial in extending the life of a foundation. Fixing basement leaks can be a pain so we have:
Tips for Preventing Basement Leaks
- Keep your gutters clean. Leaves and other debris will keep them from doing their job of keeping water away from your foundation.
- Watch your trees. Plant them at a minimum of 20 feet from your foundation.
- Waterproof your basement. This is often required in areas below sea level.
If your house should flood, clean it out within 24-48 hours to prevent any mold from taking hold in the home. If any furniture, bedding, carpets and the like are damaged, you should throw them away. They will become moldy and that is very unhealthy for you and your family.
No one likes to spend time thinking about repairing cracked foundation but with reasonable diligence, the need for it can be prevented. Research more here.