Jan 28, 2022

There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re renovating or building a new home. An important but often overlooked is site drainage and a stable foundation. By ensuring your property has proper drainage and a sturdy foundation, you can avoid costly repairs down the road and keep your home in Mount Bethel, PA, looking its best for years to come.

The construction experts at Dirt Werx LLC share critical information about stable foundations and site drainage.

Characteristics of a Stable Foundation:

A stable foundation is critical for a long-lasting building. It’s essential to make sure your property has a solid foundation to handle the weight of the house and the elements. You should do the following to ensure your foundation is stable:

  • Check for cracks in the walls or floor;
  • Look for signs of bowing in the walls;
  • Check for water damage or evidence of leaks;

Detecting Foundation Damage:

One of the best ways to check for foundation damage is checking your doors and windows. If they are difficult to open or close, it could signify that your foundation is sinking. You can also check for concrete cracks or mortar cracks between the bricks. Another sign of foundation damage is if you notice any differences in the height of your floors from one room to another.

Fixing Foundation Damage:

If you find signs of foundation damage, it’s essential to have it fixed as soon as possible. Leaving foundation damage untreated can lead to more significant and more expensive problems down the road. There are a few ways to repair foundation damage, but underpinning is the most common. Underpinning involves installing new concrete pillars or beams beneath the existing foundation to support it.

Features of a Good Site Drainage:

If you have an excellent site drainage system in place, it can help protect your home from severe problems like flooding and foundation damage. It’s essential to ensure that your site drainage system is installed correctly and maintained. Some of the features of a sound site drainage system include:

  • A graded landscape that slopes away from your home;
  • Drainage pipes that are appropriate in size and slope in the right direction;
  • Grates or screens over drainage pipes to keep debris from clogging them up;

Detecting Issues:

It’s vital to detect any problems with your home’s foundation and site drainage early on so that you can take corrective action. Some signs that indicate problems include:

  • Water standing in your yard after a rainstorm;
  • Mud or water leaking into your basement;
  • Cracks in the concrete of your foundation;
  • Sinking or settling of your home’s foundation;

Solution:

  • Pouring gravel over the soil;
  • Installing French drains to prevent water collection;
  • Repairing cracks in the foundation by filling with cement or epoxy;
  • Use piers and jacks for sinking foundation;

If you notice any foundation drainage or site drainage problems at your home in Mount Bethel, PA, it’s essential to address them as soon as possible. Dirt Werx LLC offers various services to help homeowners maintain their home’s stability and prevent future problems. Get a free estimate today.