Florida, known for its prolonged hot spells, often experiences numerous foundation issues. As the climate shifts to dry and hot, the soil around your home contracts, potentially causing your house to move. This can lead to cracks and uneven surfaces within your home. To evade expensive and lengthy house repairs, various companies offer tips on how to maintain your foundation.

Annual Plumbing Inspection: Granite Foundation Repair suggests that "plumbing leaks are a major cause of foundation problems. Inspections should cover leaks in sprinkler systems, freshwater lines, sewer lines, and other components of your plumbing system."If you find a plumbing leak anywhere within your residence, it's crucial to contact your plumber right away.

Root Barrier Installation: If a large tree with intrusive roots is too close to your home foundation, you can install root barriers. Alternatively, you can remove the tree from your property to prevent damage like upheaval in driveways and sidewalks, wall cracks, and even sewer line problems. Trees with invasive roots often include Silver Maple, American Elm, Live Oaks, and Magnolias.

Maintain Consistent Soil Moisture Around Your Foundation: Many homes in Florida have a sprinkler system installed around the base of the house. If your home lacks this, consider installing one to prevent the soil around your concrete from swelling and shrinking.According to an article by Dawson Foundation Repair, "the soil... [has] a tremendous capacity to absorb (and lose) water. Soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This causes significant stress on the concrete slab resting on top of the soil. Keeping the soil around your home foundation at constant moisture with seepage water hoses will help reduce the need for house leveling in the future."

Install a Reliable Home Drainage System: Houses are constructed on either a positive or negative slope. A positive slope ensures water drains away from the structure, while a negative slope directs water towards your foundation.Ensure regular cleaning of your home's gutters and downspouts. Granite Foundation Repair also provides a method to unclog a blocked downspout: you might need to insert a plumber's snake into the downspout for thorough cleaning.

Control Your Home's Temperature: Try to maintain a steady temperature in your house without extreme highs or lows. Frequent temperature changes may cause your structure's concrete slab to expand and then contract, leading to foundation damage.

Maintain a Foundation Log: Keeping a record of changes in your foundation, particularly the size of cracks, could be beneficial. This log can be extremely valuable to a foundation repair expert if your house requires repairs.

Review Your Homeowner's Insurance: Depending on your policy, it might cover foundation or plumbing repair. This could significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for you and your family.

For any questions or comments, feel free to get in touch with your Simply Title Heroes today!

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