How Your Yard Affects Your Foundation

Foundation issues come in all shapes and sizes, some things are easy to fix yourself and others require a professional. At Mid-State Basement Systems we’re happy to help with all your foundation needs, but we also hope to arm you with the knowledge to keep your foundation as strong as possible. Here are some precautions you can take today to keep your foundation protected.

Downspouts 

If you’ve ever seen white water rushing out of a gutter’s downspout then you know exactly how important proper downspouts can be. If all the water runs out straight into the ground around the foundation, it will settle there and find its way to the lowest pressure area. Here the water can get into even the smallest of cracks. To combat this, homeowners can install downspout extensions that direct the water further into the yard and away from the home.

Mid-State Basement Systems installs downspout extensions, burying them under your yard to prevent disruption to your space. If you are interested in a free estimate, give us a call or contact us online.

Incorrect Grading

Incorrect grading can create major issues for your foundation. If your yard is graded at a slope toward the home, all of the runoff will be pounding against your foundation. Grading projects can be as simple as adding a flower bed or as complicated as an addition on the home. No matter what, when dealing with the slope of your yard, always make sure it’s away from the home. This will ensure water moves away from your foundation and could potentially save you from severe water damage over the years. 

If you can avoid sloping your yard toward your house, do so now. But if it’s too late and the damage has been done, Mid-State Basement Systems can add support to your foundation with piers, braces, or wall anchors. We will also be able to waterproof your basement or crawl space to ensure your home stays dry. Give us a call or contact us online today for a free estimate.

Tree Roots 

If a tree is planted too close to the home, the roots can disrupt the ground, pushing it closer to your foundation and eventually forming cracks in your walls. Keeping trees away from the home or removing trees that are too close is a good place to start. But if the damage is already done, Mid-State Basement Systems is happy to make a recommendation on what can be done. Most likely, the foundation would need wall anchors or braces to hold the wall in place. If you are interested in a free estimate, give us a call or contact us online.

When it comes to your yard, the bottom line is: earth, water, and pressure are harmful to your foundation. Eventually, the house will start to see cracked and bowing walls, or molding floor joists. What happens outside the home affects what goes on inside. If you are experiencing water issues or cracking walls it can be useful to start with changes that have been made on the outside. Of course, we are here to help if needed and just a call away for a free inspection.