Foundation Maitenance

TIPS ON HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FOUNDATION You have invested hard-earned money to correct the foundation under your home. This doesn't mean it Is totally solved. Action you take can cause future movement and the resulting damage or prevent it and must be observed in the winter, spring, summer and fall. The following are some simple steps to follow; DRAINAGE 1 . Drainage must be away from all sides of your foundation to prevent ponding. The dirt should slope away from the foundation a minimum of one to two inches. 2. No ponding of water within five (5) feet of the foundation. 3. The air conditioning drain should be a minimum of 5 feet long and drain into a slope away from the foundation. 4. Downspouts from gutters should be directed away from the foundation and never into flower gardens adjacent to the foundation. Gutters should be used on courtyards or roof run-off areas. 5. Place splash blocks to diver roof valleys runoff water away from the foundation. 6. No standing water or flowing water against the foundation or under the home (pier and beam foundation), 7. Leaking hose bib should be repaired promptly to prevent concentrated continued wetting. LANDSCAPING 1. Shrubbery should be planted no closer than five (5) feet unless dwarf plants and these should be at least three feet. Over-grown shrubbery should be removed or root barriers Installed. 2. Trees or large shrubbery should be at least 15 feet from the foundation. Trees closer (natural) a root barrier should be installed 3 to 4 feet below the grade beam to prevent root intrusion under the foundation. 3. Flower beds by the fountain should drain away from the foundation. Decorative borders should have drains to prevent ponding of the roof run-off or dripline. Best that the border not Include the roof run-off line to prevent excessive moisture at the foundation. 4. Plastic vapor barrier to keep weeds out of rock beds should not be used inside the five-foot distance from the foundation. M01STURE MAINTENANCE (all Seasons) 1 . Assure the area around the foundation, the moisture is properly maintained for a minimum of 18 inches by Irrigating or sprinkling using a soaker hose at low pressure for a minimum of two hours a week. 2. Water flower beds adjacent to the foundation preventing drying and cracking of the dirt. Bark or rock may help to hold in moisture. Don't flood for hours but a slow watering for one or two hours a week. 3. Water trees and shrubbery well to prevent root intrusion to the soil under the home. 4. Monitor areas around your foundation and water dry, cracked areas: but do not water damp areas. Uniform, even moisture is the need. 5. Check sprinkler systems to assure the heads, lines or connections are not leaking below the surface; i.e. very wet areas, low pressure sprinkler heads, flowing water out the ground or ponding-get them repaired promptly. 6. High water bills may mean a water leak. Check for wet spots or low areas full of water. Get them repaired promptly. 7. Mildew or mold on rocks or the foundation may mean a potential moisture or water leak problem. 8. If you have a natural spring make sure the water drains away from the foundation or have a french drain Installed to carry off the excessive moisture.