To prevent foundation problems, the building’s foundation should be free from excessive moisture, stormwater should drain properly, and tree roots should be away from the foundation. Other factors need to be managed as well to prevent your foundation from being damaged.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of foundation problems and determine what preventive measures you can take to safeguard your building.
What Destroys A Foundation?
There are three main things that can damage or destabilise a foundation: moisture, tree roots, and soil conditions. To protect your foundation from water damage, ensure your drainage system doesn’t leak water underneath your foundation.
In addition, you should plant trees away from your building and check whether any tree is already close to the foundation. The soil type also plays a vital role in the stability of your home. If you experience any of these problems, you can contact underpinning Bendigo – a reputed foundation repair company in the area.
6 Tips To Avoid Foundation Problems
These 6 things should be done to avoid foundation problems:
1. Check Storm Water System
Stormwater systems are meant to drain water away from the foundation so that the ground around it does not become too wet, which can cause damage. If your stormwater system is broken or leaks, water will pool near your foundation and potentially cause subsidence. To avoid this, ensure your stormwater system drains properly to carry water away from your foundation.
2. Replace Damaged Gutters And Downpipes
Make sure to inspect your gutters and downpipes regularly. They play an essential role in the amount of water pressure around your foundation, which can affect its stability. If they are in poor condition, repair or replace them immediately.
3.Be Conscious Of Tree Roots
Tree roots can go deep underground where you can’t see them. So they might take away moisture without even knowing. We recommend checking and taking immediate action if you think this might be a problem.
4. Don’t Plant Trees Near Building
To avoid damage to your foundation, make sure to plant sturdier plants like bushes or shrubs at least two feet away from the edge of your foundation. This way, you can avoid damaging your foundation from soil issues underneath the foundation.
5. Monitor Cracks In Home
Inspect your home’s foundation and all structural aspects. If you spot any cracks, get professional help as soon as possible. The sooner you correct the damage, and the less likely further movement will occur.
If you notice cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, or floors, it’s time to call in an expert. Detecting problems early will save you time and money down the line. For example, suppose you see large fractures or walls bowing. In that case, that is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
6. Consult A Professional
To avoid any future damage, it is recommended that you get your foundation inspected by an expert. A professional inspection can tell you the severity of any damage to your foundation and what specific measures you should take to prevent further damage, depending on where you live. Unfortunately, it’s not a task that you can do yourself.
If you’re curious about the possible damage underpinning can cause, check out our blog, can you DIY underpinning.
