subject: Tips To Keeping Your Foundation Stable [print this page] Most people think that once a foundation has been repaired, it would take years before they can start worrying about it again. This may be true if you know how to take care of your foundation even right after its repair.
One of the ways by which you can make sure that the foundation repairs that you have had done would last is to complete stay away from the conditions that cause the repair in the first place. Oftentimes, this would mean ensuring that there are no means by which moisture can infiltrate the foundation. Since leaking plumbing is the usual reason for this, you have to make sure that your pipes are structurally sound.
During the months of July, August and September, when the soil tends to show cracks, you have to make sure that you keep the soil around your foundation have the same amount of moisture as the soil underneath your foundation.
Another way to avoid having to do another round of foundation lifting is to ensure that you have a good drainage system. Keep in mind that surface water should not be allowed to collect around your foundation. If this is not possible, you might have to re-grade your area. Make sure also that your downspouts are pointing away from your houses foundation.
Although trees can remove water from your soil, make sure that you plant them a few feet away from your foundation. This is especially the case if the tree concerned has an extensive root system as this can cause the foundation to be torn apart which, in turn, leads to having to do foundation lifting.
Lastly, make sure that you are aware of the signs that you might need to have a foundation lifting done. This includes uneven floors which most probably cause you to have difficulty closing and opening your doors as well as windows, cabinet doors that would not stay close, visible cracks on your concrete slabs, diagonal or zigzagging cracks on your ceilings and walls as well as the corners of your doors and windows, and leaks and cracks around the fireplace.
