Foundation Crack Preventative Methods

Foundation problems can cause a number of other concerns for the rest of a house if they're not solved right away. Foundation cracks and other issues can cause damage to underground plumbing, sloping floors, insulation and interior wall damage, interior wall and ceiling cracks, broken gas and water lines, roof leaks, electrical dangers, sticking doors and windows, and much more. They can also cause the value of a home to drop.

Building foundations are essentially at the mercy of whatever weather comes their way. Water can really do a number on foundations by seeping through and causing water damage. Sticking doors and windows, sagging floors and uneven siding can mean problems with a foundation. A sure sign of a foundation issue is finding cracks on interior walls and ceilings.

There are a number of methods to prevent foundation problems in the first place:

• Examine the home to identify problems related to foundation settling or sinking
• Check the perimeter of the home for downspout problems causing the water to flow back to the foundation
• Remove plants, shrubs and small trees that are within 8 feet of your foundation
• Ensure that concrete walkways, driveways, etc., slope away from the foundation.

To avoid foundation cracks and other problems, take certain precautions. Never assume that your foundation is invincible because of how new the construction is, the area you live in, or if the previous owner never mentioned anything. Problems can arise because of droughts or soil issues.

The results of A) proper versus B) improper design, construction, landscaping, and homeowner maintenance for homes built on swelling soils. Courtesy of the Colorado Geological Survey.

Don't let the foundation settle year after year because this can result in serious and costly problems. Using stabilizing methods, a home can be adjusted back to the proper level to correct problems. Some foundation issues can be repaired in a relatively affordable fashion as well, so don't panic if you start seeing problems with your foundation and think it's going to cost you an arm and a leg.

Regular maintenance can help keep your foundation strong and prevent cracks from appearing. Reculpt soil and reinstall landscaping if necessary in order to restore proper drainage away from the house. Also, keep an eye on gutters, downspouts, downspout extensions and other drainage systems and make sure they aren't clogged. Watch for sprinkler system leaks and closely monitor watering practices near your home. Sprinklers should spray no closer than five feet from your home. Both overwatering and underwatering your land can affect a foundation.

We serve in areas like Montrose, Clifton, Grand Junction and many locations nearby. See our service area for a complete listing.