Small Things You Can Do to Protect Your Foundation

As a homeowner, you know how critical it is to maintain the integrity of your foundation. Your foundation is the backbone of your home, and any damage to it can lead to costly repairs and jeopardize the structural soundness of your house. At Zablocki Waterproofing, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners with Milwaukee basement waterproofing, so we know a few things about how to prevent major foundation issues. In this blog, we’ll share some small things you can do to protect your foundation and avoid costly repairs.

Here are our top tips:

Maintain Proper Drainage

One of the most common causes of foundation damage is improper drainage. Water can seep into the foundation and cause it to crack, shift, or settle. To avoid this, ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good working condition. Divert water away from the foundation by ensuring the water drains adequately.

Plant Trees and Shrubs at a Safe Distance

Trees and shrubs can be a great addition to your landscaping, but they can also cause damage to your foundation if not planted at a safe distance. As the roots grow, they can penetrate the foundation and cause cracks or shift the foundation. To avoid this, plant trees and shrubs at least five feet away from the foundation.

Regularly Check for Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks can also damage your foundation by saturating the soil, leading to shifting or settling of the foundation. Regularly check for leaks in your plumbing system, and address them immediately to prevent water damage.

Properly Grade the Ground Surrounding Your Home

The ground surrounding your home should be sloped away from the foundation to prevent water from settling around it. Ensure that the soil is adequately graded and redirects water away from the foundation. A general rule of thumb is to slope the ground away from the foundation at a minimum angle of one inch per foot for the first six feet. This slope ensures that water drains away from the foundation, preventing water damage and foundation issues. It’s essential to maintain proper grading around the foundation regularly to avoid any major concerns.

Install Downspout Extensions

Downspouts play a crucial role in directing water away from the foundation. To ensure proper drainage, consider installing downspout extensions to move water further away from the foundation.

Address Cracks Promptly

Small cracks can lead to significant foundation damage if not addressed quickly. Regularly inspect your foundation for any cracks and address them as soon as possible – you can DIY when the cracks are less than 1/4” but it’s best to call in a foundation repair expert when they are larger than that. Repairing small cracks is always less expensive and less invasive than repairing significant structural damage, which can happen when cracks are left unattended.

Conduct Regular Foundation Inspections

Arrange for a professional foundation inspection at least once every year to assess your foundation’s condition. Regular inspections can help identify minor damage before they become a more significant concern. Signs that your foundation may need repairing include:

• Cracks in the walls, both interior and exterior. The larger the crack, the more serious the need for foundation repair becomes.
• Uneven floors. If your floors are uneven or sagging, it could be a sign of foundation damage. Uneven floors may also be due to settling, shifting, or soil issues.
• “Sticky” doors and windows. If your doors or windows are difficult to open or close, it could be a sign of foundation damage, particularly if they previously functioned correctly.
• Gaps around doors and windows. As the foundation shifts or settles, windows and doors may move from their original positions, leaving gaps that compromise your home’s insulation and energy efficiency.
• Cracks in the foundation.
• Sagging or sloping floors. If you have noticed that your home’s floors are sagging or sloping, it could be a sign of foundation damage, particularly in homes with a pier and beam foundation.
• Chimney separation. If your chimney is separating from the rest of your home’s structure, it’s a clear sign of foundation damage. The chimney’s weight can put pressure on the foundation, leading to cracks, shifts, or settling.

Your foundation is essential to the structural integrity of your home, and it’s crucial to take steps to protect it. Maintain proper drainage around the foundation, don’t plant trees and shrubs too close to it, check for plumbing leaks, grade the ground correctly, and install downspout extensions. Address any cracks as soon as possible and arrange for regular foundation inspections.

For expert advice on protecting your foundation and basement waterproofing services, contact Zablocki Waterproofing of Milwaukee. We’re always available to assist homeowners in keeping their homes safe and dry.