Problem Signs: Tips and Advice from Your Trusted Foundation Contractor

As your trusted drainage and foundation contractor, we at All American Foundation Repair & Drainage Inc have decades of experience in maintaining and repairing home foundations. We’ve encountered numerous common issues that contribute to foundation damage. By staying vigilant and implementing your own preventative maintenance program, you can save yourself from costly problems down the line.

Addressing Drainage Issues

Proper drainage is crucial for preserving your foundation. Here are a few key steps to take:

• Yard Slope: Ensure that your yard slopes away from the house and walls to prevent water accumulation near the foundation.
• Gutters: Clear debris from your gutters and ensure they can effectively handle roof runoff. Replace any rusted or broken gutters.
• Downspouts: Redirect water discharge at least 3 feet away from the building. Consider installing buried drains (French drains) to divert water away from the foundation.
• Maintaining Adequate Moisture Levels

Watering your foundation appropriately can help maintain stability. Consider the following tips:

• Automatic Sprinklers: Regularly inspect and adjust your sprinklers to prevent leaks. Make necessary changes to the number, location, and adjustment of the sprinkler heads to ensure consistent soil moisture.
• Shrubs and Flowers: Check beds near the house to ensure proper moisture levels. Gaps between the soil and foundation may indicate underlying foundation issues.
• Trees: During dry periods, water trees to compensate for their water absorption through the roots. Consider installing barriers to prevent troublesome roots from reaching the foundation.

Foundation Repair and Maintenance Tips

As your foundation contractor, we recommend understanding the relationship between foundations and water is essential. Expansive soils expand when they absorb water and contract when they dry out. This movement can impact your foundation. Here’s what you need to know:

• Seasonal Soil Movement: As the soil under your house expands and contracts with seasonal changes, your foundation may experience slight movement. If this movement doesn’t cause significant damage, it’s generally not a concern. However, if consistent movement occurs, it may lead to visible damage.
• Controlled Watering Program: Implementing a controlled watering program can mitigate seasonal damage. By maintaining a consistent moisture level in the soil beneath your foundation, you can help prevent excessive movement. Consider installing a buried foundation watering system or using soaker hoses buried near the foundation edge to water the soil evenly.
• Avoid Placing Hoses Against the Foundation: If the soil around your foundation is dry and cracked, avoid placing the hose directly against it. Water can travel along cracks and accumulate at the base of the grade beam, potentially compromising its load-bearing capacity.

Addressing Upheaval and Excessive Moisture

Water accumulation under the foundation is a significant problem that can lead to failures. This condition is known as “upheaval.” Here’s what you need to understand:

• Upheaval: Upheaval occurs when excessive moisture causes the internal and, occasionally, external areas of the foundation to rise above the original position. This phenomenon is typically caused by moisture intrusion. It can lead to permanent elongation and stress on the reinforcing steel in high-plasticity soils.
• By staying proactive and implementing preventative measures, you can protect your foundation and ensure the long-term stability of your home. Count on All American Foundation Repair & Drainage, Inc for expert guidance and reliable foundation services.

Do You Have Extra Inquiries? Give Us a Call to Help You

We are committed to being the most professional drainage and foundation contractor you will ever work with, ensuring that your expectations are not only met but exceeded on every foundation, home pier, and beam foundation repair, drainage problems, and more. Contact us today at (817) 640-1212 | (972) 576-9770 in Duncanville, TX, or send us an email to protectyourdream@aol.com.