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Foundation Repairs: 3 Proactive Home Care Tips to Avoid Them
Foundation problems don’t usually appear overnight. In many New England homes, small oversights, such as clogged gutters or poor drainage, can lead to costly repairs down the road. If you want to avoid foundation damage and expensive repairs, these three simple care tips can make all the difference. At Crack X, we’ve seen firsthand how early prevention saves homeowners across New Hampshire and Massachusetts from major headaches. Let’s break down what you can do now to keep your foundation strong in the future.
1. Clean Gutters to Prevent Foundation Water Damage
- If your home doesn’t have gutters, it’s important to install them as soon as possible. Without a working gutter system, rainwater from the roof collects near the base of your home instead of being directed away. Over time, this buildup can cause serious foundation damage, including cracks and shifting. For homes with existing gutters, early fall or any dry, mild period is the ideal time for professional cleaning if it hasn’t been done yet.
Clogged gutters reduce drainage efficiency, allowing water to pool near the foundation. To improve protection, consider extending your rain gutters with downspouts. This directs water even further away from the home, greatly reducing the chances of foundation issues caused by excess moisture.
2. Fix Perimeter Drainage Problems to Protect Your Foundation
- Water buildup around your home can damage your foundation. Heavier rainfall during late fall and winter can lead to oversaturated soil. When soil stays wet for too long, it expands, and that added pressure can result in cracks or movement in your foundation. Watering shrubs or plants placed too close to the foundation adds to the problem. That’s why it’s best to resolve drainage issues during dry months before the rainy season arrives.
A drainage specialist can install a French Drain or similar system to help reroute water away from your foundation. Keep in mind: installing drainage after cracks appear won’t reverse existing damage. But it can prevent future water intrusion and reduce pressure on your foundation.
3. Regrade Lawn to Keep Water from Pooling Around Foundation
- A level lawn might be easy on the eyes, but it can be hard on your home’s foundation. If your yard is completely flat or, worse, sloped toward your house, water will collect around the base of your home. This leads to oversaturation and raises the risk of cracks or structural shifts. The best solution is to ensure your lawn slopes gently away from your foundation. This helps rainwater and irrigation runoff move out and away from your home.
Some homeowners may attempt to reslope their yards themselves, but for effective results, it’s best to consult a professional. A proper slope, combined with good drainage, adds long-term protection to your foundation and can prevent costly repairs.
Trust Crack X to Help Prevent Foundation Damage
- Your home’s foundation is only as strong as the care you give it. Tackling drainage issues, keeping your gutters clean, and properly grading your yard can go a long way in preventing water-related foundation problems. But if you suspect your foundation is already compromised, Crack X is here to help. Schedule a foundation inspection with Crack X today.
If you notice cracks in your concrete foundation and need professional help, call us at (877) 727-2259. Our experts at Crack-X will inspect your property and take the right steps to fix your foundation. Crack-X is a civil structure Foundation repairs company serving Maine and New Hampshire. We fix foundation cracks using trusted methods and quality materials. You can count on us to restore your foundation’s strength and stability.