Keys to a Solid House Foundation

Level

• The old adage “start with a good foundation” is very apropos in reference to a house. If the foundation is not level, it will throw off the evenness of the entire home, which will affect literally everything from the floors to the appliances. A house is initially built on level, square or plumb ground when first constructed; however, due to soil settlement and other variables, shifting occurs. Local contractors will compensate for area conditions to allow for this type of settling.

Grading

• Moisture in basements has become a more common problem due to changing weather patterns. Building codes in some states have changed to reflect this weather phenomenon by requiring foundation slabs or the top of the basement foundation to be at least 6 inches above the highest point of soil surrounding the proposed location of the house. The soil around the perimeter needs to slope away from the foundation to draw moisture away.

Cracks

• On existing homes, check for any size cracks, even those that appear small may be overlooked. Narrow cracks that measure 1/4 inch or less are easily repaired with epoxy putty or silicone caulk. These small cracks lead to larger ones that cause more severe damage to the foundation. Larger cracks may require repair by injecting epoxy and hiring a contractor to plug the holes or cracks. Repair any damage to your foundation as soon as possible to avoid further structural harm.

Maintenance

• The foundation of your home is the integral element to the entire house. When this has been compromised, the whole house has been compromised. Routine checks need to be performed on a regular basis to keep the foundation in good repair. Inspect rain spouts to ensure that water is directed away from the foundation. Landscaping should complement the structure but also aid in keeping moisture from pooling around the foundation. Check for soil movement and any cracks in the foundation, and address the damage immediately.