Foundation problems will lead to the premature failure of your home. In simple terms, if the base of the building becomes weak, it will no longer be capable of supporting the weight of the walls, floors and roof. The house will become unsafe for occupation. Moreover, the cost of repairing the damage and restoring the building will be high. Therefore, it is important to protect the house foundation from deterioration and eventual failure. Here are some practical tips to help you promote optimal foundation performance and longevity. 

Monitor Foundation for Cracks

You should monitor the base of your building for cracks. In general, the foundation should be able to last for generations without repair or maintenance. However, external forces can cause the cracking of some sections of the foundation. In most cases, the cracks are superficial and require no special attention. However, in other cases, the cracks might indicate serious structural problems. Ideally, you should check the basement walls for fractures. If there are small cracks, you can seal them using mortar or hydraulic cement. However, if the fissure keeps expanding, you will need to consult a structural engineering contractor.

Promote Proper Drainage

The primary cause of premature foundation failure is poor drainage around the house. If rainwater tends to pool around the base of the building, the slabs will absorb the moisture. Eventually, the building will lose its original integrity. There are different ways in which you can ensure better drainage in your home. The most obvious is to make sure that the roof gutters and downspouts drain water away from the house. Also, you should grade your land to prevent the flow of water from your yard to the house. Additionally, you should install efficient channel drains to help you deal with excess stormwater and prevent flooding.

Waterproof the Building

You should implement waterproofing measures in your building to prevent moisture infiltration. This practice is critical if the original waterproofing measures which were set by the builders are no longer effective. You can have a contractor dig some trenches around your home to improve drainage and protect your home from moisture ingress. However, this solution can be expensive, time-consuming and inconvenient. Therefore, if possible, you should inquire about waterproofing your building from inside. The foundation contractor might be able to use a penetrating crystalline coating to prevent further moisture penetration.

Finally, you should commission immediate repairs if you notice foundation damage. If you ignore the seemingly small anomalies, you will end up with complete failure.

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