Although house ownership in Philadelphia has advantages, it also comes with significant responsibilities. Therefore, proper foundation maintenance is one of the most crucial responsibilities of a homeowner.

Every homeowner’s worst dread is dealing with foundation damage. Damage to a building’s foundation can result in significant expenses, delays, and stress. Unfortunately, there is no secret formula to restoring a foundation requiring extensive restorations. At some point, repairing a home’s foundation will require substantial man-hours and funds.

Nonetheless, don’t be alarmed –– it’s not all negative news. Today, we will share five of our favorite strategies for preventing foundation issues, identifying them, and mitigating the associated costs and risks.

1. Be Wary Of Cracks

Cracks and bowing are two of the most obvious indicators of a failing foundation. You are likely to have foundation problems if you see cracks in your walls, ceiling, flooring, or siding. The foundation may still be salvageable, but this will depend on how extensive the fissures are. A professional may not be necessary if you find only a few small cracks in your basement or crawlspace. Remove any debris and fill the holes with concrete or epoxy.

However, the best course of action is to hire an authorized structural repair Philadelphia company to seal these cracks if they spread outwards or look deep in nature. If you see any significant cracks in your foundation, it’s time to call in the pros.

2. Check On The Landscaping

Keeping an eye on the landscaping around your home is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your foundation.

There are several ways in which trees and plants might pose a threat to a house’s foundation. One reason is that agriculture relies heavily on water. The soil beneath your home will eventually dry since their roots are sucking up water.

Movement and corrosion are exacerbated due to soil contraction brought on by drought or dryness. Uneven foundations and possible slope problems might arise as a result of corrosion-related landslides and ground settlement.

Tree roots are another major issue in landscape design that could necessitate the structural repair of your house in Philadelphia.

The growth of tree roots close to a concrete foundation increases the risk of fractures and other imperfections, and the roots themselves can wreak havoc on the soil by absorbing up all the moisture.

When plant or tree roots grow too big, they can cause damage to nearby concrete by pushing it around. They can move the slabs, which can cause them to be improperly placed, lift or sink the slabs, or even shatter them.

Trees, bushes, and shrubs should be planted at least 2 feet from your house if you want to avoid this problem. Doing so can prevent root overgrowth and groundwater depletion around the foundation.

3. Check For Leaks

A lack of moisture can lead to corrosion in the soil and ground settling problems. However, there are other issues that arise from an abundance of moisture. An off-center foundation might result from a basement or crawlspace with a high moisture concentration. As a result, underground water systems could threaten the structural integrity of your foundation.

Ground settlement caused by too much moisture will likely leave your foundation slanted and uneven.

Mold, wood rot, pest infestation, and mildew are just some of the problems that can arise when moisture begins to leak inside a property. These are not only a nuisance but may also lead to serious problems with the stability of your home’s foundation and lead to expensive repairs.

4. Assess For Internal Damages

For the typical homeowner, repairing internal damage might be a pricey ordeal. It is thus your responsibility to conduct thorough internal checks on a regular basis to guarantee proper operation. This involves checking for evidence of moisture and pests and analyzing your soil’s condition.

Wood rot is a problem that is unique to ranch-style homes. The primary threats to these houses are excess moisture and termites due to the concrete foundation and wooden support beams in the crawl area. The destructive power of wood rot on support beams results in major concerns with the building’s foundation.

5. Perform Routine Maintenance Assessments

It is important to perform routine maintenance inspections on your property. Several internal and exterior processes contribute to the care of your foundation, but even the most essential components of your house play an important part. As a result, you should regularly check the condition of your plumbing systems, HVAC, and water drainage systems.

It’s also crucial to keep the humidity levels in your house at a comfortable level. Soil difference can be caused by plumbing leaks that disturb the moisture balance. The same is true if you have serious concerns with your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Maintain a temperature in your house at around 65°F to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting if you often travel or go on vacation. If you don’t, water might seep into the basement and weaken the foundation, causing more extensive damage.

Concluding Thoughts

Foundation problems are something no homeowner wants to deal with. However, keep in mind that putting off dealing with the issue will only make things worse. Instead, you’ll be better off in the long run if you take care of the issue as soon as you realize you have one.

Paying close attention to the foundation is crucial to keep your home secure and sturdy. You can ensure that your home’s foundation remains in excellent condition for many years by performing basic maintenance and keeping track of its condition.