What to Do After Your Foundation Has Been Leveled

We discuss quite often how to maintain your foundation and prevent foundation failure. Just as important, though, is knowing what to do after you've had foundation work done. Below are tips you should follow after your foundation has been leveled.

1. Maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil adjacent to the slab foundation. You can keep the moisture content consistent by evenly watering next to the foundation slab, especially during dry periods. There are a couple of ways to do this.
   
   First, use a buried foundation watering system with the water line buried twelve inches away and at the depth of the grade beam. The system should have a rain cutoff switch and a flow control box with a filter (the filter prevents sediment from clogging the line).
   
   Or, put soaker hoses around the edge of the foundation, seven to twelve inches from the grade beam. Remember to use the soaker hoses on a schedule or buy a battery-operated, programmable timer.
   
   Of the two methods above, the second can waste more water due to evaporation and run-off. Finally, keep in mind that watering the foundation does not fix existing foundation problems -- it's only a maintenance method.
2. Make sure water drains away from the slab perimeter. Eliminate all standing water near the foundation slab. This evens out the moisture content underneath the slab and lessens soil movement beneath the slab foundation.
3. Be sure large trees near the concrete foundation slab get plenty of water. Avoid high growth of dense vegetation near the concrete foundation slab, as well. When you water trees -- especially in dry periods -- you help even out the soil's moisture content beneath and around the foundation slab.
4. Make sure that the slab is at least three to four inches above the finished ground, including flowerbeds and other landscaped areas. The flowerbeds should slope away from the slab. This prevents water from draining to underneath the foundation and keeps water from pooling at the edge of the foundation.
5. Make sure the plumbing system, potable water lines, and sewer lines are checked periodically for leaks. A licensed plumber can perform these tests for you. Remember, water leaks cause differential moisture content and ultimately contribute to foundation failure. 

We hope you find these tips useful. A lot of them are also good maintenance ideas even if you haven't had your foundation leveled. Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.