A setting foundation could cause a lot of damage and reduce the value of your house. Therefore, as a homeowner, you should focus on stopping soil erosion around the foundation. In this article, I will share simple ways that you can use to prevent foundation erosion.
If you follow my blog, you may know that my husband is a home inspector in Florida. He sees first-hand the erosion at the foundation of homes. And, how this erosion then affects the value of a property.
From not having gutter systems, soil not sloping away from the house, trees planted too close to the foundation that the roots actually crack the foundation— everything damages the foundation of a house. And, ultimately lowers the value of a property.
Whether it is just small cracks or a setting foundation, the foundation issues can cause big problems.
Before we talk about tips to prevent foundation erosion, let us discuss what causes foundation erosion? Excessive heat, ice, snow, rain, flooding, and droughts—affect the foundations of a property. There can be a number of causes behind erosion. A professional will find the source of the problem and help you repair the damage.
What are the Signs of Foundation Erosion?
For stopping soil erosion around foundation, look for the following signs:
- Foundation Cracks & Gaps—In walls, floor or the exterior of the house.
- Setting/Sinking Foundation—Property will start getting lower on one side.
- Slab Foundation Upheaval—Continuous moisture and plumbing issues cause this.
- Doors Sticking or Dragging—Problems with both interior and exterior doors indicate a foundation issue.
- Gaps & Spaces around Doors and Windows—This includes doors not latching and not aligning properly.
- Sagging Floors—It also includes uneven floors. This indicates a problem in the piers and beams of the building.
- Counters & Cabinets Separating— From tiny gaps to cabinets and counters getting farther away from the wall.
Do you know how much it costs to repair foundation erosion? A typical homeowner pays between $1895 to $6691.
All these symptoms indicate that you have a foundation issue. And, it is better to call a professional for help. So, watch out for these signs of foundation and soil erosion.
How can you Prevent Foundation Erosion?
The foundations of most houses show wear and tear with time. The older the house, the more important it is to keep an eye for signs of erosion.
If there are none, you are lucky, my Friend! Read about these simple steps that can help you in stopping soil erosion around the foundation.
1. Inspect the Perimeter of Your House Regularly
It is very important that you inspect your house at regular intervals. While inspecting, focus on signs of cracking and the sings of breakage on:
- Siding
- Brick
- Wood
- Vinyl
- Exterior coverings
Make sure, they are 6-inches above the foundation. Also, clear away the dirt and debris regularly.
2. Installing a Rain Gutter System
Investing in a rain gutter system is the best way to protect the foundation especially if your area gets heavy rains. Rain gutters have many benefits but most importantly they channel the water away. So, your foundation stays safe.
Choose Aluminium gutters or go a step beyond and install copper rain gutters. If investing in rain gutters is not in your budget, take a look at these rain chains. They work even in heavy rain.
3. Clean your Rain Gutters & Check for Water Pooling
If you already have rain gutters, it is important to keep them clean. Clogged gutters won’t work properly, and as a result, the rainwater will damage the foundation.
Therefore, clean the rain gutters. When it comes to keeping your rain gutters clean, debris is your worst enemy. Luckily, you can DIY clean the gutters with these tried & tested gutter cleaning methods. Another tip is to use leaf guards and say Bye, Bye to debris clogging your gutters.
4. Check for Water Pooling Before Heavy Rains
If you don’t have a rain gutter system, or if your gutters aren’t working, you will end up with water pooling around your foundation.
To get your house ready for heavy rains, do this little test. Use a hose to spray water. If you see pools of water forming, you have a problem.
There is an easy solution to this. First, remove the water. Then, fill those areas with more soil. When filled properly, this will prevent foundation erosion from pooling water.
5. Check Trees, Plants, and Vines around your House
The foliage around your house can also cause problems. For instance, trees and plants that are very close to the house may block air circulation. It may also result in more dampness.
In areas that receive more rain, plants can get wet. And, dampness is one of the most important causes of foundation issues.
While dampness is bad for your foundation, it still needs some moisture to keep from cracking. If there are trees very close to your house, they will soak up a lot of water and leave the foundations dry. As a result, you will experience cracking in the foundation.
Use these simple tips to prevent foundation erosion. Your house is your biggest investment. Damages in the foundation of your house will bring its value down. It will also cause a plethora of other structural problems.
By taking care of the foundation of your house and stopping soil erosion around the foundation, you can avoid these problems. And, save thousands of dollars spent on repairing the foundation.
