A home’s foundation is the most important element in its construction. A low-quality foundation will show its effects once the remainder of the house is constructed.
An improperly installed foundation has the potential for complete failure many years after the home’s construction. Similarly, if the base is out of level, the rest of the home’s components might not fit properly.
Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to foundation care.
Not Hiring A Professional
A homeowner can typically notice irregularities in the house’s foundation just by walking around the perimeter. Foundation defects like unevenness, openings, fissures, and the floor being out of level can be easily spotted with the naked eye.
When you are certain there might be something wrong, the next step is to get a professional involved. Consult a foundation repair contractor or get the advice of a company that specializes in soil remediation. They can tell you the problem and recommend the best remedies for it.
Pouring the Foundation In Bad Weather
Controlling the weather is impossible but reading the forecast and scheduling when to pour the foundation isn’t. Pouring the foundation in a humid season will require longer drying time due to excess moisture while rain could cause problems like sagging or cracking.
The ideal time to pour the foundation is on a clear day with no threats of rain. Doing it during winter is also not recommended. Builders should be able to determine a stretch of time for pouring it.
Renovating the Home Before Fixing the Base
In many cases, homeowners that discover defects in the foundation procrastinate and don’t realize the significance of the problem. Some take it even further by starting home renovations before inspecting the foundation or repairing it.
Any renovation and home remodeling need to consider the foundation first, as the project could fail mid-construction or destroy the already poorly built foundation. When they do decide to remediate the ground, it might require lifting the house which often causes cracks in the interior or damages electrical and plumbing systems.
Failing To Waterproof the Foundation
Although most foundations are built with very durable cement or concrete since it’s easy and cheap to get concrete delivery, they are also quite porous. Meaning it can penetrate the material and will expand and contract over alternating seasons. This will cause cracks and damage to the foundation over time.
That is why it is essential to ensure that your builders waterproof the foundation with liquid rubber or another compound. Some homeowners settle for damp proof rather than waterproof since it’s a less costly option. But it’s also less effective in the long run.
Setting Plants Too Close to the Home
A lot of homeowners don’t realize it but hedges, trees, and other large plants can be detrimental to your home’s foundation since they alter the soil’s moisture content underneath. They extract moisture, which shrinks granular soil, producing cracks in the foundation and often leading to leaning or fractures.
If removing the trees and hedges near the property is not an option, then you need to monitor and maintain the soil moisture around the house’s perimeter. It’s pretty easy, all you need to do is run some water on the ground through a hose or sprinklers for around 20 minutes on dry days.
