Prevention for a Slab Foundation
- Do not focus on watering your foundation. Focus on watering your lawn, trees, & flower beds. The vegetation will tell you when it needs water & when it's had enough water.
- A drip system can be installed around your foundation with emitters on your plants. Drip systems can be controlled better than soaker hoses. With soaker hoses more water comes out in lower areas & hardly any water comes out in high areas.
- Gutter systems with extensions on the downspouts can also be installed to control rainwater flow. Gutters today are hardly noticeable, they match the exterior. The most important note is the extensions on the downspouts or having a drain system installed so that the downspouts empty into them.
- Proper drainage should be in affect around the structure as to allow the flow of water to move away.
- There should be a positive slope moving away from the foundation in the soil adjacent to the foundation.
- Make sure the soil from flower beds and such is not above the foundation line.
- Water should not be allowed to pond around the structure.
- A root barrier system can be installed to control the roots of any trees close to the structure.
Doing everything you can to ensure the longevity of your foundation, will give you peace of mind. Now even if you do all the preventative maintenance for your home, there is no guarantee that it won't move at all. You may still experience minor movment, but that is still better than having structural damage occur.