Prevent Foundation Problems In Your Dallas Home
Foundation and structural issues can result in very expensive repairs.
Use these handy tips to help protect your home and your wallet by preventing foundation cracks and damage before it becomes a problem.
Ensure your home has proper grading
This isn’t the type of grade you get for turning in your homework on time. The grading around your house refers to the level of the ground which in turn affects the flow of storm water.
However, you do want to make sure your home has a positive grade to protect your foundation. Positive grading means the ground slopes away from your house, and this directs water towards the street. Negative grading causes water to flow backwards and collect around your home which can lead to major foundation problems.
Invest in downspout extenders
Downspouts carry the rain that collects in your roof gutters. Similar to grading, the goal is to keep the flow of water away from your home and foundation. You may find that your current downspouts stop short of directing water away from your foundation, in which case you should invest in downspout extenders. These extenders typically cost around $15-30 each which is nothing in comparison to the cost of repairing your foundation.
Remove tree roots
The tricky thing to note is that you don’t want the soil around your house to be too wet OR too dry. If the soil becomes too dry in places, this can cause your foundation to settle and sink unevenly which leads to cracks. Keep deep-rooted shrubs and trees away from your home to make sure the ground has a safe level of moisture. Additionally, large tree roots can cause structural damage all on their own. Play it safe and remove any trees that are growing too close to your home.
Repair any hairline cracks
Over time, concrete slabs can develop small cracks as a home settles. These little cracks are minor enough that they can be cleaned out and repaired with epoxy glue. Not only will fixing these cracks early prevent bigger problems down the line, seeing that the cracks have been repaired will make it easier to sell your home.
Already noticing some trouble signs with your foundation?
Here’s a few tips on what to look for from Permapier.com:
- Brick Cracks
- Uneven Doors
- Cracks in Walls
- Frieze Boards/Facia Board Separation
Read all of their tips and see if you need an expert evaluation.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to sell your home and want to avoid expensive foundation repairs, get a quote from We Buy Ugly Houses Dallas. Submit your information or call us at 866-200-6475 and we’ll see if we can by your home as is – no repairs necessary!
