Most homeowners may overlook the importance of watering their foundation, but it is a critical aspect of home maintenance. Your home's foundation, whether concrete or brick, is the structure on which the entire house rests. So, maintaining the foundation's integrity is vital in protecting the structure and value of your home. Just like plants need watering to grow, your foundation needs water to maintain strength and avoid cracking or shifting. In this blog, we will explore why watering your foundation is essential and how to do it effectively.
1. Foundation movement: Over time, your foundation may start to shift due to the soil around it. This movement can lead to cracks. These cracks may allow water to seep in and cause further damage. Watering your foundation regularly can prevent soil from drying out, which minimizes the shifting of the foundation. Moreover, this helps avoid potential foundation repairs, which may be costly.
2. Soil expands and contracts: When the soil around your foundation dries out, it shrinks. Conversely, when the soil becomes saturated, it expands. This expansion and contraction of the soil around the foundation may cause it to move and shift resulting in cracks and foundation settling. To mitigate this, you need to keep the soil moisture levels stable by watering your foundation regularly.
3. Heat damage: During dry weather conditions, the soil around your foundation becomes parched and may cause damage. Sunlight penetrates through the soil and heats up the ground, which may cause it to contract. This expansion and contraction can stress concrete surfaces and lead to cracking. Regular watering of your foundation helps keep the soil moist and reduces the impact of the sun on the foundation.
4. Protect your investment: Foundation repairs may be expensive and cause significant disruptions in your daily life. By watering your foundation regularly, you can prolong the life of the structure and prevent costly repairs. Considering that the foundation is the critical structure supporting your house, protecting it should be a top priority.
5. When to water your foundation: The best time to water your foundation is in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler, and the sun is not beating down on the soil. Use a soaker hose, which provides consistent and steady watering of the foundation bed. Make sure to water the soil around the perimeter of your house. Do not water your house directly since water pooling may cause damage to the siding.
Watering your foundation may seem like a small task, but it can make a significant difference in the longevity of your home. By preventing foundation movement, maintaining stable soil moisture levels, mitigating heat damage, and protecting your home investment, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure the integrity of your home’s foundation. Remember, a well-watered foundation is a healthy foundation.
