Drainage, Drainage, Drainage

If you've been following our blog, then by now you know that the biggest source of foundation problems are changes in the moisture content of the soil supporting and around the foundation.

Soil expands or contracts as the moisture content changes. Soil contraction can be from minimal to nearly 65% of the total wet volume, depending upon the amount of clay in the soil plus other factors. If you've ever experienced one of our extended Texas droughts, then you've probably seen large cracks in the ground. These cracks are perfect examples of the soil contracting as it dries out. The more expansive the clay, the larger the cracks. Imagine what soil like this does for your foundation!

There are many things a home owner can do to correct surface drainage problems. The yard around your home should be graded to slope away from your foundation. This slope will drain water away from the house and, thus, the foundation. Once away from the house, the yard should be sloped to allow the water to drain toward the street or alley. Builders, landscapers and home owners often make changes to the landscape that prevent the runoff of excess water.

You need to inspect the landscape around your home for areas that trap water. The best time to do is immediately following rainfall. Look for flower and shrub beds which hold water and make the changes needed to allow the water to drain away.

Make sure your gutter downspouts discharge water away from the foundation rather than dumping it into a plant bed or next to the house. Sometimes all you need to do is extend the downspouts so they discharge at a safe place, and some houses would be better off without gutters.

These are just some of the things you can do to protect your home. Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.