Foundation maintenance is crucial for the safety and longevity of your home or business. The foundation repair experts at URETEK have all seen the damage that can result from neglecting foundation maintenance. Here are some tips to help you keep your foundation in top shape.
Foundation Maintenance Tips for Texas Property Owners
As a Texas property owner, it is important to stay on top of foundation maintenance in order to ensure your home or business remains structurally sound. Foundation preventative maintenance involves looking for signs of foundation issues, repairing any existing damage, and taking measures to protect against future damage. In the list below, we will discuss some essential tips for how to properly maintain foundations.
1. Don’t Ignore Foundation Cracks
One of the most important foundation maintenance tips is to keep an eye out for any signs of foundation damage, such as cracks in the walls, sloping floors, shifted door frames, and sticking windows. These are all indicators that your foundation may need attention.
Check out our Homeowner’s Foundation Inspection Checklist.
2. Redirect Water Away from Your Foundation
Another crucial foundation maintenance tip is to redirect water away from your foundation. Water can cause severe damage to your foundation if not correctly channeled away from it. Ensure that your gutters are clean and free of debris and that they are directing water away from your foundation.
3. Maintain Consistent Moisture Levels Around Your Foundation
Make sure your foundation soil never becomes exceedingly wet or dry. The expansion and contraction of soil around your foundation can cause problematic cracks. Simply use an automatic lawn sprinkler to moisten the soil around your structure in warmer months.
4. Keep Tree Roots Away from Your Foundation
Another foundation maintenance tip is to avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to the foundation. The roots of these plants can grow and cause structural damage to the foundation.
5. Conduct Annual Plumbing Tests
Annual plumbing tests are critical to maintaining your foundation. It is essential to check for leaks, water pressure, and water flow to ensure your plumbing system functions correctly. A plumbing leak can cause significant damage to your foundation, and early detection can save you from expensive repairs.
6. Grade the Land for Proper Drainage
Make sure that the soil around your foundation is properly graded. Water should flow away from the foundation, not towards it. This can be achieved by ensuring the ground slopes away from the foundation. Additionally, ensure that your gutters and downspouts are in good working order and direct water away from the foundation. Water can cause severe damage to foundations if not correctly managed.
7. Maintain a Steady Temperature Year-Round
Thermal fluctuations are a major cause of slab foundation cracks and damage. Therefore, keeping your home or business temperature consistent year-round is critical to prevent materials such as concrete, drywall, and wood from contracting and expanding.
8. Add a Root Barrier
Adding a root barrier is another effective way to maintain your foundation. Tree roots can grow deep and wide, and they can cause significant damage to your foundation over time. A root barrier can help prevent the roots from penetrating your foundation and causing damage.
9. Keep A Foundation Log
Keeping a foundation log is an essential aspect of foundation maintenance. A foundation log will help you keep track of any repairs or maintenance procedures that have been done on your foundation. It will also give you a record of any changes that have occurred over time, such as cracks or settling. Keeping a foundation log will help you stay on top of your foundation’s maintenance needs and ensure that it remains in good condition.
10. Get A Professional Opinion
Lastly, if you suspect your foundation is damaged or in need of repair, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Early intervention can save you from costly repairs down the line!
Contact URETEK For a Professional Consultation
By following these foundation maintenance tips, you can ensure your property is safe and secure for years to come! URETEK is an experienced and reliable foundation repair company that has been serving Texas property owners for decades. Our team of experts has extensive experience in conducting foundation repairs, and they can help you identify the right repair solution for your home or business. We offer various services to meet your needs, including concrete slab foundation repair, pressed piling systems, foam jacking with polyurethane, and more.
Contact URETEK today to learn more about our professional foundation maintenance services.