Foundations are the single most important determinant of the strength of any structure. If the foundation is laid and maintained in the right way, you will have very few structural problems in the house. On the other hand, if the foundation starts falling apart, the structural integrity of the building is at stake. Texas is one of the places where foundation problems are quite common due to the expansive soils. Here are a few maintenance tips that Foundation Companies in Houston TX offer.
Maintaining constant moisture levels
One of the main causes of foundation problems is too much moisture in the soil that supports the foundation. There are two extremes to avoid when it comes to moisture levels in the soil. The first is shrinking which occurs when the soil gets too dry especially in the dry season. This can be prevented by making sure that you have rock beds near the foundation for water during the dry spell to prevent the shrinking.
The other extreme that you need to worry about is too much moisture in the soil. This can be caused by things such as lawn watering systems, too much rain water being directed at the foundation and heavy rains. It is important to note that watering the foundation is not really a great way to provide moisture to the foundation as it is impossible to predict rains. In addition to that, you have to make sure that gutters and other water harvesting mechanisms direct the water away from your foundation. This will help avoid excessive moisture.
Annual plumbing inspection
Plumbing is another major source of problems for the foundation. There are times when leaks in underground pipes go unnoticed for months, even years. This water ends up seeping into the soil that surrounds the house. This can greatly weaken the structures. It is important to make sure that you have annual inspections of your plumbing problems to catch these issues before they compromise the strength of the entire building.
Those are some of the main tips that can help you prevent foundation trouble.