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Does a Foundation Really Need to Be Watered or Is That a Myth?

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Wondering if a foundation really needs to be watered or if that’s just a myth? If so, you’ve landed on the right page because that’s what we’re going to go over in this article. We’re going to, first of all, tell you that it’s not a myth that foundations sometimes need to be watered, and then we’re going to tell you why this is. We’ll also tell you the best way to water a foundation, and more.

Watering a Foundation Is Not a Myth

Watering a foundation is not a myth and is sometimes necessary, especially if you live in a region with expansive soil, that is, soil with a high percentage of clay.

As its name suggests, expansive soil expands – often by quite a bit – when it soaks up moisture and shrinks when it releases moisture and dries out. This back and forth, swelling and shrinking, creates movement in the ground under the foundation, causes voids to form, and can, over time, lead to severe foundation damage.

Watering the foundation can help alleviate this issue because it reduces swelling and shrinking when the soil remains hydrated. This is especially important during drought conditions because it keeps the soil around the foundation from drying out and shrinking.

Hot, Dry Weather, Expansive Soil, and Your Foundation

As we just noted, hot, dry weather can significantly impact the stability of foundations built on expansive soil. When the weather is hot and dry for an extended period, the ground under the foundation will dry out and, as a result, shrink dramatically. This shrinkage can cause the foundation to shift, leading to differential settlement or when a foundation settles into the ground unevenly. Differential settlement puts enormous stress on a foundation, leading to severe structural damage if it isn’t corrected.

Some soil types are prone to erosion, which can cause voids to form under the foundation. This can lead to differential foundation settlement, which can cause cracks and other issues.

There are several measures that homeowners can take to mitigate the effects of hot, dry weather on their foundations. For example, they can water the foundation via a foundation irrigation system, which adds moisture to the soil and reduces the risks of shrinkage-related damage. They can also plant trees and other vegetation around the property (but not too close to the foundation), which helps moderate the temperature and moisture content of the soil.

For more information, see What Causes Horizontal Cracks In A Foundation Wall?

How to Correctly Water a Foundation

While watering a foundation is sometimes necessary, especially in warmer, drier regions with expansive soil, it must be done correctly so as not to soak the foundation with too much water all at once.

  • Avoid watering too close to your foundation if the ground around the foundation is already dried and cracked. Doing so can prevent water from running down the foundation wall and potentially infiltrating your basement or crawl space through invisible cracks.
  • Water at least 18-24 inches away from the foundation and allow it to soak horizontally and vertically. This will help prevent excess water from coming into direct contact with the foundation wall.
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent damage. Adding too much water to the ground around the foundation could cause hydrostatic pressure to build up and exert lateral pressure on the foundation. We recommend watering for no more than an hour at a time and adjusting the spigot to allow a slow, thorough soak into the soil.

Prevent Foundation Trouble By Controlling Groundwater Around The Foundation

Since most foundation problems are caused by excess moisture in the soil around the foundation, the best way to avoid trouble is to get groundwater around the foundation under control. Here are some ways to do that:

  • Clean your gutters regularly – Cleaning gutters regularly is not just a matter of keeping your home’s exterior looking neat and tidy. Neglecting to clean your gutters can cause significant harm to your home’s foundation and overall structural stability. Gutters clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris will prevent water from flowing correctly. Instead of flowing into the downspouts and away from the house, excess water can spill over the side of the house and soak the ground around the foundation.
  • Install downspout extensions – Downspout extensions protect against foundation problems by directing rainwater a safe distance from the foundation before release. Downspout extensions are available in various sizes, materials, and styles, making it easy to customize their appearance to seamlessly blend with your home’s exterior.
  • Re-grade your yard, if necessary – Re-grading the yard so that it slopes away from the foundation is another effective way to prevent trouble. This enables groundwater to drain away from the home instead of pooling around the foundation.
  • Install a drain tile system – A drain tile system collects excess groundwater and channels it away from the foundation. It consists of a perforated drainage pipe – covered with gravel or other aggregate material – installed around the perimeter of the foundation at the footing level. Excess moisture in the soil finds its way into the gravel layer surrounding the drainage pipe. The perforations in the pipe allow the water to enter and be carried toward a sump pit. Once the sump pit fills with water, a sump pump turns on and ejects the water safely away from the foundation.

Improve drainage around foundation

Common Signs Of Foundation Problems

If you’re a homeowner, you need to know how to spot the signs of a foundation problem early because foundation problems worsen over time. Spotting issues early and fixing them immediately can save you money and headaches. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Uneven floors – One of the most common signs of foundation problems is uneven floors. This might not even be noticeable at first.
  • Problems with doors and windows – Another sign to look out for is doors and windows that don’t open or close correctly.
  • Cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings – You may also notice cracks in your walls, floors, or ceilings. These types of cracks can be a sign that your foundation has moved.
  • Chimneys and porches pulling away from the house – The separation between the chimney or porch and the house might be very slight.
  • Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry – This is a sure sign the foundation has moved.
  • Torn wallpaper – This might mean the wall behind the wallpaper is cracked.
  • Moldings separating from the wall or ceiling – This is another indication the foundation has moved.

signs of foundation problems

If you notice any of these signs – or anything else that seems suspicious because this isn’t an exhaustive list – it’s essential to have your foundation inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

If you’re worried your home’s foundation might have a problem, contact us today to schedule a foundation evaluation. If we find a problem, we’ll give you a repair estimate. We serve Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada.

WRITTEN BY

Brian Dalinghaus

Brian is one of the Co-Founders of Dalinghaus Construction. He has been in the foundation repair industry since 2005. During his career, he has been associated with helping over 4,000 homes and structures throughout California and Arizona.

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