- Improve drainage around your house.
- Seal any cracks or holes in the foundation of your home.
- Inspect gutters and downspouts regularly.
- Install a French Drain to direct excess water away from the foundation.
- Regrade the landscape to prevent water pooling near the foundation.
Water damage can be a severe problem for any home, and it’s important to watch for signs of water intrusion. Water can enter the foundation of a house through cracks in walls, leaking pipes, and other sources. If left untreated, this can cause structural damage over time. Fortunately, you can take five steps to protect your home’s foundation from water damage.
1. Improve Drainage
Improving drainage is the first step in protecting your home’s foundation from water damage. Make sure that downspouts are directed away from the house and that there are no pools of standing water around the foundation. If your home has a basement, ensure it is equipped with a sump pump to remove any water that accumulates in the basement effectively.
2. Seal Cracks or Holes
Seal cracks or holes to protect your home’s foundation from water damage. Check for any cracks or holes in the foundation and seal them with a waterproofing product like hydraulic cement. Ensure all joints, seams, and penetrations are properly sealed to ensure no water can enter the foundation. If there are any large cracks or holes, it may be necessary to contact a professional for assistance. Also, inspect your home’s windows and doors to seal them properly. If you notice air coming in, apply weather stripping and caulk around the frames to help keep water out.
3. Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Protecting your home’s foundation from water damage requires inspecting your gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts help funnel water away from your home’s foundation, so ensuring they are in good condition is essential.
Here are some ways to keep the gutters and downspouts functioning properly:
Install a Reliable Gutter
Utilizing high-quality rain gutters is essential for protecting your home from water damage. The more efficient the gutter system, the more effectively it can direct water away from the foundation. A reliable gutter should be made of sturdy material and be correctly installed to ensure maximum performance. A high-quality gutter system may also include extensions on the downspouts so that water is directed further away from the house.
Check Regularly
Even after a professional inspection and maintenance, it’s important to remember to check your gutters and downspouts regularly. Inspect them for any signs of wear or tear, such as sagging, rusting or broken pieces. Ensure the downspouts are still securely connected and all the water flows away from your home’s foundation.
Fix Any Leaks
If you notice leaks in the gutters, addressing them as quickly as possible is important. Otherwise, the leaking water can erode the soil around your foundation, leading to further damage. In addition, water that collects in the gutters can freeze during cold winter months and cause even more damage.
Clean Regularly
To ensure that your gutters and downspouts are functioning properly, keeping them free of debris such as leaves and twigs is important. Consider investing in gutter covers to prevent large amounts of debris from collecting in the gutters. It’s a good idea to clean your gutters at least two times a year or have them cleaned by a professional more often if trees surround your home. Keeping your gutters and downspouts free of debris will ensure that water is diverted from your foundation and help keep it safe from damage.
4. Install a French Drain
Install a French drain to protect your home’s foundation from water damage. A French drain is an effective way to direct excess water away from your home’s foundation. A French drain consists of a pipe with holes in it that are buried around the perimeter of your home and connected to a sump pump. This will help ensure that any excess water is directed away from the foundation and not allowed to pool or accumulate near your home.
5. Regrade the Landscape
Protecting your home’s foundation from water damage is regrading the landscape. If areas of your yard slope towards the house, you need to regrade them away from the foundation. This helps prevent water from pooling near or around your home and causing potential damage. You can also install a French drain to divert the water from the foundation.
Final Thoughts
These five simple steps can help protect your home’s foundation from water damage and save you money in the long run. Regularly inspect your home’s foundation for any cracks or holes, and take action quickly if you notice any signs of moisture seeping into the structure. Taking preventative measures now can help save you from expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
