Protecting your home’s foundation in
College Station is critical to whole-house health. If you don’t have a strong, well-maintained foundation, you could experience structural issues that eventually can lead to collapse. Regular maintenance keeps serious foundation issues away and keeps your potential repair costs low.
Here are some tips to ensure a healthy College Station foundation.
1. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
Have a professional plumber or foundation repair expert provide an inspection once a year. This is important, as plumbing leaks happen to be one of the top causes of foundation issues. Be on the lookout for leaks in sprinkler systems, sewer lines, and freshwater lines. If you think you have a leak but are not sure where it’s coming from, your plumber can perform hydrostatic testing to determine the root cause.
2. Install a Root Barrier
This will protect your foundation from the invasive roots of nearby trees. Those roots can be devastating to your property, causing heaving in sidewalks and driveways, as well as cracking in walls. Trees with invasive root systems that are common in Texas include Silver Maple, Live Oaks, American Elm, and Magnolias.
A
root barrier can be installed about 30 inches deep and will prevent roots from attacking your foundation and pipes.
3. Protect Your Foundation From Big Trees
Majestic trees in your yard may look impressive but they pose a big threat to your foundation. Big trees steal moisture from the soil so they can consume up to 150 gallons of water per day. They absorb the water from the soil around your home, eventually damaging your home’s foundation. Stay away from trees such as Maples, Elm, Bradford Pear, Magnolia, Chinese Pistach, and Live Oak. They all have deep, strong roots that can threaten your foundation.
4. Ensure a Proper Slope
Make sure your property has enough of a slope (known as positive slope) so that water can flow away from your foundation. If you have a negative slope, all that water will accumulate at your foundation and lead to erosion and damage. Perform proper grading around your home or hire a landscaper.
5. Install a Drainage System
Foundation upheaval can result from too much water around your foundation. Install gutters and downspouts if you don’t have them already. If you already have a gutter system, check that the downspouts point well away from your home and that the gutters themselves aren’t clogged with leaves and debris.
6. Be on the Lookout for Insects, Cracks, and Damage
Cracks can deteriorate your foundation quickly. Plug or patch any noticeable holes or hairline cracks. If they get larger or worsen in some other way, call a foundation repair specialist.
Contact Aftermath Structural Repair
For more tips on how to maintain a healthy foundation in College Station,
contact us at 281-231-8904 for an on-site inspection and free quote.
