Warmer weather is upon us, Easter egg hunts are just around the corner, and everyone recently had the chance to “spring ahead” due to daylight savings time. All of these events mean one thing: Spring is in the air. For many people, this means chores like cleaning out the attic, organizing closet space and reviving your lawn and garden. In the midst of checking these things off your to-do list, make sure you include exterior water management and proper landscaping as part of your spring maintenance routine.
Poor water drainage is more than just an eyesore for your property; it can also be a safety and health concern for anyone who sets foot on it. Not only can poor drainage cause significant damage to your yard, landscaping and plants, but it can also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and unsightly mold. Over time, it can saturate the soil and affect the entire stability of your home’s foundation. With spring being the rainiest time of year in many parts of the country, it is especially critical for you to take action now in order to prevent water from accumulating on or around your home.
Begin with a thorough cleaning of your home’s gutters and ensure that any downspouts extend away from the building. Check the concrete flat work around your home’s foundation and patio or deck (if you have any) to make sure it does not direct water under it. You’ll also want to check your AC condensation drip to be sure it does not discharge water directly next to the foundation, where it can cause structural damage. You should plant any flower beds and gardens so that they slope away from the foundation for the same reason.
Another important aspect of spring maintenance routine involves being strategic about where and how you do any landscaping around your home. For example, large trees are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to negatively impacting the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. Their roots often leach water from the soil, causing the foundation to shift. For this reason, you should plant trees no closer than 10 feet away from your home’s foundation. You should also trim any existing trees so that the canopy does not extend over your home’s roof line.
As the clear skies and warm temperatures of spring approach, it can be tempting to spend all of your free time flying kites or having picnics in the park. Nevertheless, don’t forget to invest a few hours in making sure the exterior of your home looks its best. The time you spend doing so now could prevent countless hours of stress and repair work from being necessary later.
Since 1933, Olshan Foundation Solutions and Home Services has been committed to providing superior foundation repair services for our customers, along with excellence in customer service. In addition to foundation repair services, Olshan Foundation Solutions also offers exceptional plumbing services, basement waterproofing, and crawl space repair and encapsulation. Contact Olshan at 1.877.465.7426 for a free estimate, or visit us online at https://www.olshanfoundation.com.