Maintenance of the foundation of the home is the August topic.
Because there are so many first time homeowners and people who have just moved to Texas, this topic is very important in the current hot dry weather. A foundation watering system is necessary. Walk the property to check the foundation for separation or concrete cracks.
Residential service companies do not cover foundations, but soil integrity around foundations can affect systems that we do cover. If the foundation shifts, it can cause plumbing leaks or breaks that are not normal wear and tear.
Solutions:
- After you water the lawn, also water the foundation.
- 1st and Best solution: Install a buried foundation watering system.
- 2nd Best: Bury a soaker hose three inches deep and one foot from the edge of your foundation.
- 3rd Best and most economical: Rotate a soaker hose around the perimeter of the home to maintain moisture in the soil around the house and foundation.
- DO NOT place the hose against the foundation. If soil is dried and cracked, the water will drop to the lowest point of the cracks and accumulate at the bottom of the grade beam (the thick part that is under the exterior walls).
- You need enough water to keep the deep soil wet all the time. If only the surface is damp, your watering program is not working.
Your water bill may rise- but you will be saving money by avoiding foundation or plumbing problems later.
Source: Sharon Harrison – Nations Home Warranty
