Although we aren’t constantly thinking about it, the foundation is one of the most important aspects of a home. Issues with the foundation aren’t just expensive to repair—they can also cause significant problems for other parts of your house. The good news is that with a little basic care, your foundation can last for years. Keep reading to learn a few of our favorite foundation maintenance tips in Santa Rosa, CA:
- Build on a proper slope: Proper foundation maintenance begins on day one when you start building your home. The ground should be graded so water drains away from your foundation. Neglecting this step will lead to constant flooding in the basement, cracks and other foundation issues.
- Install a good drainage system: Along with properly grading the land, you’ll need to install a good foundation drainage system to keep water away from the foundation. Too much water around the foundation causes upheaval, in which the foundation rises above its intended position.
- Clean the gutters: Foundation problems may actually start up on the roof! Neglecting to clean your gutters leads to a buildup of debris. Those leaves and twigs prevent water from flowing down the spouts and away from the foundation. Rainwater will collect in the gutter and spill off the side, leading to pooling near the base of your home and eventual upheaval.
- Perform inspections: Tips for maintaining your foundation in Santa Rosa, CA aren’t just for the professionals. Walking around your home to inspect the foundation every few months is well worth your time. Look for things like cracks and trails of insects outside. If you see any cracks or holes, plug them up to prevent insects from getting in. Then, get under your crawlspace to check for signs of excess moisture or wood rot.
- Avoid planting large trees: Tree roots grow in whatever direction they need to find water, even if that means heading towards your foundation. A big tip for maintaining your foundation in Santa Rosa, CA deals with where you plant trees. We recommend planting trees at least 15 feet away from your home to avoid this issue.
- Install a root barrier:If you already have large trees on the property, we recommend installing a root barrier around your home. A root barrier is made of metal or plastic and is implanted about three feet into the ground surrounding your home. The barrier protects your property by directing roots down and away from the foundation.
- Hire a contractor for an evaluation: If you feel like you have any foundation issues, call a contractor to have it professionally inspected. A thorough evaluation from a pro will determine the root of the problem and help establish a plan to correct it. Remember, any foundation issues should be remedied as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your foundation checked out, call to get an estimate from our team at Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. On top of providing some of the best foundation maintenance tips in Santa Rosa, CA, we can ensure your foundation is in tip-top shape for the long term.
