When Improper Landscape Make You Go for Foundation Repair?

An uneven house

Foundation damage is definitely something every homeowner, if at all possible, wants to avoid. But many homeowners do not know that their approach to the landscape will directly affect whether or not the foundation of their home causes harm.

At Ramjack we saw many examples of damage to the foundation that could have been avoided with the right landscaping. To help you not become one of these cases, we will look at the different ways in which incorrect landscape can cause basic problems and what you can do to prevent them from occurring. See how you can reduce the need of foundation repair and damage.

Improper Sloping

In avoiding damage to foundation, it is essential to keep excess water from accumulating around your base. Nonetheless, to avoid the water pooling around your base, make sure that your landscape is properly inclined so that water flows away instead of accumulating.

There are far too many homes built on landscapes that are not adequately sloped to enable adequate drainage. When water flows and grows around a building, the ground under the foundation is eroded and the concrete is directly affected.

It is recommended that your landscape should be graded so that it is at least 6 centimeters downhill for every 10 feet. With less slope, you run the risk of allowing water to accumulate and weaken your foundation over time and invite the need for home foundation repair.

Not Good Drainage System

While the slope of your landscape plays the most important role in draining water away from your foundation, it is not the only factor that matters in the effective drainage process. In addition to sloping your landscape correctly, you also want to make sure your drainage system carries water away from the ground of your house. This involves carefully planning the gutter system and ensuring that your gutters are clean and free of debris.

Not Good Gutter System

Using gutter extensions to push water away from your base at least five feet away. Runoff from gutter will erode your slope quickly. Downflows can also be mounted for further water supply.

Make sure your gutter is clean, too. Remove tree sticks and dried leaves and make sure that your rinse cleaner has any trolls, gaps or leaks. It means the rainwater collects properly and avoids overflowing.

Tree Plantation Close to Home

Tree roots are common for concrete foundation. The roots of the trees move through a process of shrinking and expansion as the seasons change. This is not normally a problem for the trees or for the landowner who plant them. However, if your trees are planted near enough to your home so that the roots under your foundation expand into the earth, this shrinking and expanding process may cause difficulties.

As the roots of the tree contract and grow, soil is in contact with them. If this soil supports your foundation, it can produce forces which harm the concrete over time.

When planting a tree on your house, take the time to study how big the root system is growing and ensure your tree is planting as far away from your home that the roots do not grow under your home.

Rickety support of a country house

Flower Bed Mulching

Mulch serves as a sponge and retains water during excessive heat periods. Extremely dry soil can cause movement to your base.

Mulching can help to maintain the appropriate moisture level. In addition to preserving the base, mulching has other advantages. The soil can be reinforced by mulch or natural wood chips. It can also help to remove excess water from the field.

Don't apply edging around the flower bed and the mulch. Edging will stop water and build standing water and swimming pools.

Carefully Structure Planning

Landscape pathways, patios, exits, and concrete sidewalks should be designed to remove water from your foundation. Stagnant water is bad for the base of your house.

In addition, you should also carefully balance these concrete structures. The highly watered garden beds on one side and the wide area of concrete on the other can have a negative impact on your foundation.

Contact Ramjack for home foundation repair. Here we will advise to give your foundation a check for necessary repairs.