Cracks and other issues in the foundation of your home can lead to severe issues if they are not addressed in time. When the necessary repairs are made, it is just as important to ensure that similar problems do not reappear after the foundation has been repaired. Fortunately, there are several tips that you can follow to prevent cracking of the foundation post repair.
In order for the repairs to be effective, it is essential that the homeowner resolves the issues that created the problems in the first place. Swelling of the soil can generally be stopped if the source of the moisture is removed.
Repair Plumbing Leaks Immediately
One of the most common causes of soil swelling is plumbing leaks. These leaks could be the result of old pipes that need to be replaced or damage within the plumbing system. When these leaks do occur, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the foundation. Hire a fort worth foundation repair service to repair your foundation cracks and so.
Address Poor Drainage Issues
Property owners will also want to look for any signs of poor drainage that is near the foundation. Improper drainage is another reason that the soil around the home may have, or expand. As a result, the property owner may need to have the lot regraded in order to ensure rain and snow are able to drain away from the foundation.
Make sure the downspouts for all of the gutters should be pointed away from the foundation of the home so the water is able to be carried far away from the foundation. This will eliminate any pooling of water near the home when it rains or snows.
Regular Lawn Watering
On the other side of the coin, it is important to make sure the lawn is well watered if the home is in a dry climate, or there are periods of drought. Maintaining the right amount of water in the soil around the home will prevent edge settlement. This is often caused by soil shrinkage.
During dry periods, the soil that is adjacent to the foundation must be watered on a regular basis to maintain soil moisture. It is critical the soil is properly watered. The main is to make sure the water content in the soil next to the foundation and under the foundation has the same amount of moisture.
The best solution is to use a soaker hose, and the hose should be used at a distance of at least 24 inches from the house. Unfortunately, many property owners wait to water the soil after cracks have started to form in the soil. This can lead to foundation issues later.
The months when you are most likely to notice cracks in the soil are July, August, and September. This means that a regular watering system should already be initiated long before the summer months arrive.
These are some of the tips to keep in mind after your home’s foundation has been repaired. You can also hire a reputable foundation repair service to inspect the foundation yearly so issues can be fixed before they lead to bigger problems.