Recommended general maintenance
Watering
You will still need to maintain a watering program for your foundation. This includes Slab foundations as well as Pier-&-Beam foundations.
Please contact us for suggestions.
In many areas of the country, house foundations consist of (wholly or in part) of concrete slabs supported directly by the soil. In some instances, the slab portion forms the ground or basement floor, which is structurally independent from the perimeter foundation. In other cases, a similar soil supported floor slab rests on top of, and is partially supported by, the perimeter foundation. In Texas, slabs are usually cast monolithically with thicker interior and perimeter grade beams designed to provide sufficient support for the entire structure. This also helps to provide enough stiffness to resist differential soil movement, preventing the foundation and finishing’s from cracking. Slabs are typically reinforced with conventional reinforcing steel (re-bar) and/or posttensioned cables which are installed throughout both the slab and grade beam. IRRIGATION Effective irrigation is best accomplished with an underground foundation watering system. Automated systems that monitor soil moisture and irrigate as needed are available from several different local contractors.
Soaker hoses will provide you with many of the same benefits, if utilized properly.
The best way to use a soaker hose is to bury it about three inches deep, one foot from the edge of your foundation. Placing the hose, a short distance from the foundation allows the water to soak into the soil evenly. Be sure to check it periodically to verify that it is working properly. If the soil is starting to pull away from the concrete, it needs more water. Also, don’t neglect to water during the winter months. We sometimes experience extended periods without rain during that season as well.
DRAINAGE
Water pooling against or near your foundation can result in “heaving” (where the swelled soil lifts the foundation above its intended elevation), or it can cause the soil under the foundation to lose its load bearing capacity (resulting in settlement). To guard against these problems, the general grade of your yard should slope gently away from the home and roof drainage downspouts should extend several feet away from the foundation. If the general slope of your yard cannot be easily changed, then some form of surface or below ground drainage system may be needed. Consult with a qualified foundation repair or landscape contractor to find out what will work best for your situation.