Water is one of the biggest threats to your home’s foundation. Too much moisture around your foundation can lead to cracks, shifting, and other costly structural issues. The good news is that keeping water away from your foundation isn’t complicated. With a few simple steps, you can keep water away from your foundation, protect your home, and prevent major problems later.
Maintain Proper Grading Around Your Home to Keep Water Away from Your Foundation
One of the most effective ways to keep water away from your foundation is by ensuring that the ground around your home slopes away from it. If the soil slopes toward your house, rainwater and melting snow will naturally flow toward the foundation, increasing the risk of water damage.
To check your grading, walk around your home after a heavy rain. If you notice puddles forming near the foundation, that’s a sign you need to improve the slope. Adding soil around the foundation and gently sloping it away from the house can help direct water where it belongs—away from your home.
Keep Gutters and Downspouts in Good Shape
Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in protecting your foundation. When they work properly, they collect rainwater from your roof and direct it safely away from your home. When they don’t, that water can spill over the edges and pool near the foundation, leading to erosion and moisture problems.
Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris so water can flow through them easily. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and run down the walls of your house, soaking into the ground around the foundation. Downspouts should extend at least five feet away from the foundation to ensure water is properly directed. If they don’t, consider adding extensions or splash blocks to help move the water even farther away.
Install a French Drain or Drain Tile System
If your yard tends to collect a lot of water, a drainage system like a French drain can help. A French drain consists of a perforated pipe buried in a trench filled with gravel. It collects excess water and directs it away from your home, reducing the risk of foundation damage.
For homes with serious drainage problems, a drain tile system may be necessary. This is a network of pipes installed around the foundation to channel water away before it can seep into your basement or crawl space. While a drain tile system is more involved and costly, it can be a long-term solution for homes in areas with heavy rainfall or poor soil drainage.
Extend Your Downspouts and Use Splash Blocks to Keep Water Away from Your Foundation
Even if your gutters are in great shape, short downspouts can cause problems. If your downspouts empty too close to your foundation, water will pool next to your house, which can lead to foundation issues over time.
You can solve this problem by adding downspout extensions or splash blocks. Extensions can direct water several feet away from your house, while splash blocks help spread the water out and prevent erosion. Both are simple, inexpensive solutions that make a big difference.
Check for and Repair Foundation Cracks
Small cracks in your foundation may not seem like a big deal, but they can allow water to seep into your home over time. If left unchecked, these cracks can grow larger and lead to significant structural issues.
Inspect your foundation regularly for any signs of cracks or damage. If you find small cracks, you can often seal them yourself with a waterproof masonry sealer. For larger cracks or signs of serious damage, it’s best to call a professional to assess the situation and make necessary repairs.
By taking the right steps now, you can save yourself from costly foundation repairs later. A little maintenance and planning go a long way in keeping your home safe and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my foundation is being affected by water?
Some signs of water-related foundation issues include cracks in walls or floors, doors and windows that stick, and pooling water near the foundation. If you notice these problems, it’s important to address drainage issues before they get worse.
How often should I clean my gutters?
It’s a good idea to clean your gutters at least twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall. If you have a lot of trees near your home, you may need to clean them more frequently to prevent clogs.
Can I fix foundation cracks myself?
Small hairline cracks can often be sealed with a waterproof masonry sealer. However, if the cracks are large or growing, it’s best to have a professional inspect them to determine if there’s a bigger issue at play.
Drew Inspection Service provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in South Dakota. Contact us to schedule an appointment.