If the foundation of a home is damaged, the entire home is gone. Water damage to the home’s foundation is a serious issue that can compromise the integrity of a house. Besides, restoring the structural integrity of a home’s foundation is undoubtedly costly. As a result, you need to protect your home’s foundation from water damage, by following the tips below:
1. Expose The Foundation
Regardless of how it sounds, exposing your foundation is an effective way to protect it from water damage. When the foundation is covered with mulch, soil, and other materials, it will be easy for water and moisture to penetrate into it. Therefore, the foundation gets weaker day by day. However, experts recommend exposing at least 6 inches of concrete foundations and 8 inches of wood foundations.
2. Create Functional Drainage
Creating a thorough path for water to flow away from the home’s foundation is very important to ensure that water does not seep into the foundation. Drainage is very crucial to avoid possible water damage to your foundation. A helpful tip for creating functional drainage is to grade the ground surrounding the home far away from the home’s foundation. Also, ensure that the grade slopes away from the building to prevent water accumulation.
Consider hiring a professional for the construction of drainage in your home’s foundation. A French drain system and weeping tile are crucial for protecting your home’s foundation.
3. Basement Waterproofing
Waterproofing your basement is essential to prevent water from seeping into the foundation. Different basement waterproofing techniques are employed to keep the basement free from water and moisture seepage. A sump pump may be installed to facilitate the prompt removal of water from the basement. As a result, the home’s foundation will be protected.
4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Another important way to protect your home’s foundation from water damage is to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of your roof’s gutters and downspouts. Blocked or clogged gutters and downspouts will drop water directly into the home’s foundation, which is unhealthy for the home’s foundation.
5. Inspect and Maintain the Foundation
Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of your home’s foundation. Look for and seal visible cracks. Reinforce weakened mortar joints. If your foundation is more vulnerable, install a sump pump to remove water from the foundation. A sump pump can also be installed in the foundation to support all efforts to protect the foundation.
Takeaway
Follow the tips above to ensure that your home’s foundation is adequately protected from water damage. This will also boost the structural integrity and health of your home’s foundation.
