Ten Steps For Maintaining Foundations in TEXAS !

Ten Steps For Maintaining Foundations in TEXAS !

My house settled this year a little bit. With the drought last year and the hot temperatures this summer you are bound to have some settling in your home. I, of course, panicked. I am in real estate, I know how to maintain my foundation! It can't settle on me!  It was just a little crack, my husband says I am "over reacting" ! 

I got out this list and reviewed it so I know I am maintain my foundation correctly. I hope it helps you!

1. Make sure the soil around your foundation is graded so that the water flows away from the home.
2. Avoid trapping water against your foundation, make sure borders let water flow out.
3. Place soaker hoses around your foundation to keep soil damp during dry periods. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT STEP! Only leave them running for 20 minutes 3-4 times a week. Over watering could cause more damage!
4. Keep shrubs around the home under 3 ft tall, they need less water.
5. Install root barriers to keep the trees from pulling our from under the foundation.
6. Use DOWNSPOUTS extensions or splash blocks, very important , keeps water flowing!
7. All paved surfaces near foundation must slope away.
8. Keep soil 2-4 inches BELOW THE BRICK LINE , this helps hold the water in.
9. Test sewer for leaks if it is blocked, this can cause major foundation problems.
10. Make sure sprinkler systems and pool circulating systems dont have leaks, again can cause major foundation problems.

# 3 above is one of the most important steps per a foundation structual engineer I spoke too. He said DO NOT leave the hoses on during the football game or all morning!!! This can cause the foundation to be to wet and cause damage. 3-4 times per week ONLY for 20 minutes each time.

I hope this helps you decide if you are maintaining YOUR Foundation correctly!