12 Ways to Maintain a Dry Home Foundation
Start the New Year off right with some simple fixes that can keep your home’s foundation dry in North Georgia. Maintaining a dry home foundation is crucial for preserving the structural integrity of your house and preventing costly foundation repairs down the road.
Here are 12 effective ways to keep your foundation dry. You can tackle one each month this new year to maintain a dry and safe property.
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- Improve Drainage Around the Foundation: Ensure that the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation to prevent water from pooling near it. Aim for a slope of at least 6 inches over 10 feet.
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- Install Gutters and Downspouts: Properly functioning gutters direct rainwater away from the foundation. Ensure your downspouts extend at least 4 to 6 feet from the foundation. This is especially important in North Georgia because of the soil that is mostly made of clay, which absorbs water.
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- Clean Gutters Regularly: Clogged gutters can overflow and direct water into the foundation. Clean them at least twice a year to keep them functioning properly. Mark your calendar to check them in November when the leaves start to fall.
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- Seal Foundation Cracks: Inspect the foundation regularly for cracks and seal them with a waterproof sealant to prevent water infiltration. This is a great chance to bring in a professional foundation repair team to ensure your foundation waterproofing is done properly and will last for years to come.
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- Use a Sump Pump: Install a sump pump in the basement or crawl space to pump out any water that may accumulate, especially in areas with high water tables as are found in Blue Ridge and other Piedmont areas thanks to diffuse groundwater.
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- Install French Drains: French drains are trench systems filled with gravel or rock and equipped with a pipe to divert water away from the foundation. These prevent standing water from accumulating near your home’s foundation.
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- Apply Waterproofing Sealant: Waterproofing your foundation walls with a sealant or coating can help keep moisture from penetrating the walls. This is another time when asking for help from waterproofing experts is worth the investment.
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- Landscape Properly: Avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to the foundation, as their roots can cause cracks or direct water toward the foundation. Use mulch to help with water absorption, especially during the months with heavy rainfall.
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- Maintain Proper Grading: Periodically check the grading around your foundation. If the soil has settled and created low spots, fill them with dirt to maintain the slope away from the foundation.
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- Install Foundation Vents: In crawl spaces, make sure vents are clear of debris. These vents allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup under the house. If moisture builds up, mildew and other molds can develop and make you and your family sick.
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- Fix Plumbing Leaks: Address any leaks in plumbing that might occur around the foundation. Leaking pipes can contribute to moisture problems. Down the road, small drips can lead to large foundation repairs, so it’s best to catch these things early.
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- Monitor Humidity Levels: In areas like basements and crawl spaces, use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or water damage. Should you see a high level of moisture over time, it’s time to seek professional waterproofing services for your home’s foundation.
By taking these proactive steps, you can help keep your home’s foundation dry and avoid costly repairs down the line. Be sure to call home foundation repair professionals at any point should you need an expert’s opinion on concerns you may come across during your DIY maintenance. Things to look out for include pests, cracks in the walls, or a damp smell in the basement or crawl space.
If at any point, your basement, crawl space or foundation becomes wet, be sure to reach out to the team at H20Proof Foundation & Repair.
Why is a dry foundation important?
Water in your home’s foundation can lead to several concerns that, over time, can lead to property damage and health problems for you and your loved ones. Common issues include:
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- Mold
- Poor air quality
- Structural problems
Ready for professional waterproofing services? Call us today for a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you!