You might think of your foundation or basement strictly as part of the structure of your home, and while you’re right in one sense, you’re wrong in another. While the foundation forms the base and support on which your home rests, it also is inextricably linked to the yard around it.

Yard Grading

Take a walk around your home and look at the slope of your yard. Are there any spots where the yard slopes downward into the home? If there are, your foundation and basement are susceptible to water drainage and resultant damage. The grading of your yard is supposed to drain water away from your home, not toward it. If you’ve noticed cracks in your foundation, mold, or other foundation problems, this could be why. Make sure to fix the grading as soon as possible, as it may save the rest of your home from a major foundation repair.

Trees

What you see of a tree above the ground is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath every tree is a large and complicated root system. These root systems can grow toward the foundation of your home and cause damage. The problem is easily fixed with some shovels and saws, so if you suspect that roots are growing into your foundation, it’s best to take action as soon as possible to prevent foundation damage.

Soil

The soil next to your foundation can damage your foundation in two main ways. First, it swells and shrinks depending on moisture content as the season’s pass. Over time, this may lead to settling and cracks. Second, the moisture in the soil can directly damage your foundation or seep into cracks in the foundation and help mold grow.

What can you do?

The best way to prevent foundation damage from your yard is to maintain it. Watch for grading issues, take care of tree problems, and ensure that water drains from your roofline away from the foundation. If you’re worried that you may need a foundation repair, KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair is ready to help. Give us a call we’ll be happy to help.

Working hard in Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair for the residents in Northland Missouri including, Weatherby Lake, Lake Waukomis, Platte Woods, Platte City, Richmond and more!