House Leveling Issues: Tips to Maintain your Foundation

The soil in and around San Antonio is typically clay, which gives this area
its unique appearance from a geological perspective. The clay's
functionality underneath your house might be questionable, however. It
naturally holds and expels water in great volumes. If moisture changes
are too extreme over time, your foundation will show stress fractures in
response. To avoid major house leveling issues, use these tips to maintain
your household foundation.
For more information about house leveling in San Antonio,
call us at 210-645-6811 or visit www.arredondogroup.com
House Leveling Issues: Tips
to MaintainYour Foundation

A standard tip to avoid foundation problems is moving water away
from the home. Angle roof gutters and drainage spouts away from
the foundation. Ideally, the water should run down a driveway or
installed conduit. If the water pools or erodes the foundation's edges,
you'll end up with cracks and further damage as the years pass.
During the next rain, observe the structure from the sidewalk. Adjust
any drainage areas as necessary. Saving your home from any
foundation damage will protect its value as an investment in your
future.
Keep an Eye on Drainage

It may seem counterintuitive to water the soil around your
foundation, but there's a real science to this tip. Because the clay soil
expands and contracts with its moisture levels, you should water the
area twice weekly to control the movement. The soil won't react to
extreme conditions when you maintain the same water levels each
week. Foundation problems result when extreme dryness or flooding
occurs at the site. Professionals suggest a volume of 1- to 1.5-inches of
water added to the soil each time. Use a tuna can placed in the area
as a measuring device so that you're aware of the proper water
volume applied at the site.
Watering for House Leveling
Purposes

House leveling issues also occur when tree roots become an issue.
Some species are aggressive growers, and they'll seek out water
underneath your home. As the roots extend, they break apart the soil.
Shifting soil and roots growing into foundation cracks will eventually
lead to concrete damage. Be aware of the tree roots growing close to
your home. Transplanting the plants might be your best option.
Choosing another species altogether can also solve any soil issues.
Tree roots that remain near the trunk won't become an issue under
your home in the future.
Examine the Surrounding Root
Systems

Regardless of your air conditioner's age, every model leaks
condensation as a mechanism during household cooling. This
moisture is normally routed away from your home to evaporate or
drain elsewhere. Avoid foundation problems by verifying that your air
conditioner's drainage line extends at least three feet away from the
home. Water shouldn’t pool around the concrete pad. This will reduce
soil shifting from the excess moisture. If you're not familiar with your
system's drainage areas, ask a professional for a tour. This information
can be critical to your home's stability.
Reroute Air-Conditioning Lines

When every rainstorm seems to flow toward your house, it's time to
take a hard look at your yard's slope or angle. The yard should have a
slight angle away from your house. This landscaping strategy reduces
the amount of water that soaks the soil at the foundation's edge. Use
soil, grass and bushes to maintain a strong slope on your property.
Slope the Yard

If you plan on any additions to the home, always hire structural
engineers to verify the weight changes. Your foundation was built to
support the original structure, and an addition may be too much load
for the concrete pad. With an appropriate addition to your San
Antonio home, the foundation will remain strong and robust for many
years ahead. House leveling won't be necessary as a result.

House Leveling Issues: Tips to Maintain your Foundation

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