Protect Your Foundation as the Temperature Rises

Protect Your Foundation as the Temperature Rises

Avoiding Foundation Repair

In the summer, many people go to the beach or pool to try and beat the heat. When the summer weather comes into town, you may need to stop and think about ways to protect your foundation. If you are experiencing an extremely dry summer this year, your home’s foundation could be at risk. The expansive soils underneath your home soak up the water and moisture, which causes the soil to swell. When there isn’t water underneath the home to soak up, it forces the soil to shrink because of the dry heat and lack of water. Over time, this ongoing cycle can cause great damage to your home’s foundation. The constant back-and-forth movement can cause foundation settlement underneath your home. It doesn’t take long for the effects to start damaging your home’s foundation, but it may take a while longer for you to notice what is happening. However, by then, it will be too late.

worker performing foundation inspection

There are ways that you can alleviate your home from these damages in the summer. If you do a simple foundation watering program over the year, your foundation can be saved from foundation settlement. One of the most effective ways to water your foundation is by simply placing a hose 1 to 2 feet away from the edge of your foundation. This allows water to soak in the soil evenly. Do this more often in the summer heat, though, and you should apply enough water to keep the soil underneath the foundation constant. If you only water the surface, you will not get the most out of the watering program.

Foundation Water Program:
In the summer, to get started, water at least two times a day for at least 20 minutes. You will need a soaker hose, vacuum breaker, and timer.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Dig a trench 18″ away from the base of your home around the entire perimeter, 6″ deep.
  2. Place the soaker hose in the trench.
  3. Program the timer for summer.
  4. Attach the vacuum breaker to the soaker hose.
  5. Attach the timer to the faucet.
  6. Connect the soaker hose to the timer and turn on the faucet.

If you have foundation problems and need a professional to resolve the dilemma, contact Rapid Foundation Repair.