How To Prevent Foundation Damage

It's pretty well known that damage to the foundation of a home can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. The thought of foundation damage alone is enough to give any homeowner anxiety. That's why you may understandably wonder how to prevent foundation damage. 

The best way to prevent foundation damage is to grade the soil in your yard to steer water away from your house. You can also do this if you extend your downspout, so the water from your gutters doesn’t seep into the foundation. Remove large trees within 10-20 feet of your home, or the roots may cause foundation damage.

It’s also important to fix plumbing leaks and wall leaks, especially in your basement. Sump pumps and French drains can work wonders to keep water out of the foundation. Follow along as we highlight the 8 best ways to prevent foundation damage. 

How To Protect Your Foundation 

1. Regrade Your Yard

Yard grading has much to do with how vulnerable your foundation is to water damage. A well-graded yard directs water away from your home. Over time, a yard’s grading naturally changes because of water, weather, construction, and environmental changes.

Eventually, the soil won’t be able to keep water away from your home, and it may seep into your foundation. In that case, the only way to fix this problem is to regrade your yard. It costs an average of $2,600 to regrade a yard.

However, the cost varies depending on the size of your yard size and the contractor you hire. Labor typically costs between $50 and $100 per hour, one of the biggest cost factors. The yard must be cleared and leveled, often costing at least $800. Soil also typically costs at least $30 per cubic yard.

2. Extend Your Downspout

Your downspout may not extend far enough away from your home. This may direct water from your roof toward the soil near your home. Eventually, this water can seep into your home’s foundation and cause structural damage. 

You can avoid this problem and prevent foundation damage if you extend your downspout. Ideally, your downspout should extend at least 10 feet from your house. However, you can even extend it 15 feet away from your house to be safe. 

It rarely costs more than $20 to extend a downspout, which is worth it considering it can save your foundation. However, replacing your downspout altogether costs between $15-$28 per linear foot. 

3. Replace Your Gutters

Gutters direct water to a downspout to release water away from your home. However, gutters are susceptible to damage because of debris and corrosion. This can create holes and gaps in your gutters that prevent water from reaching the downspout.

It costs an average of $1,170 to install new gutters, but it varies depending on home size. Gutter installation costs vary widely, as contractors charge between $4 and $40 per linear foot. However, you could spend as little as $625 to replace your gutters if you live in a small home. 

It’s also important to routinely clean your gutters to ensure water reaches the downspout. Otherwise, the water may overflow and spill. This can eventually damage your foundation if you don’t regularly clean your gutters. 

4. Install A Sump Pump

Sump pumps come in handy in areas with lots of rain, snow, and ice. They work by collecting water from the soil in a pit and pumping it away from your home. Not only can a sump pump prevent foundation damage, but it can also prevent mold.

You can expect to spend between $800 and $3,000 to install a sump pump in the average home. However, it can cost up to $5,000 to install a sump pump in a crawlspace. Most people install sump pumps in their basements.

It’s also more expensive to install a sump pump with a backup battery. It’s worth the extra cost to have a backup battery. That way, your sump pump is much less likely to fail even under extreme circumstances. 

5. Consider A French Drain

French drains are among the best drainage methods to protect a foundation from water damage. They work to collect water and drain it downhill away from your home. That said, French drains are more expensive than sump pumps and even grading your home.

Instead of using an elaborate pump, French drains rely on gravity to direct water away from your home. It costs an average of $9,250 to install a French drain, which is prohibitive for some people. However, it is much cheaper than repairing the structural damage that foundation cracks can cause. 

6. Remove Nearby Trees And Bushes

Do you have any large bushes and trees near your home? Having trees on your property is fine, but they shouldn’t be backed up to your home. Ideally, you shouldn’t have any trees within 10 to 20 feet of your home, or else you risk foundation damage. 

That’s because big trees and bushes have extensive root systems that grow with time. The roots can eventually damage your plumbing lines, causing thousands of dollars in repairs. Even worse, deep tree roots can damage your foundation and cause structural problems. 

It’s worth hiring a contractor to dig and check for foundation and plumbing line damage if you have big trees near your house. You can do this without help, but it’s not recommended, as you may strike a plumbing or gas line. It typically costs at least $200 to remove a tree on your property, but it can cost up to $2,000. 

7. Fix Leaks

Plumbing leaks are inconvenient and expensive to fix, sometimes costing thousands of dollars. However, it’s worth the cost to fix plumbing leaks, as it can help prevent foundation damage. Minor leaks cost an average of $400 to repair, but major leaks cost thousands of dollars.

Not only can plumbing leaks damage your foundation, but they can also cause mold and mildew to form. It’s also important to fix window and exterior wall leaks. Otherwise, rain can pour into your home and eventually seep into the basement. 

Leaks aren’t always apparent unless you investigate the walls. For example, discolored paint and white stains on your walls can indicate leaks. This can happen because of wall cracks and window gaps. 

8. Waterproof Your Foundation

Waterproofing your foundation is essential to preventing damage. Otherwise, water can eventually build up and weaken your foundation, causing structural damage. It’s an extensive process that entails installing a waterproof membrane around your foundation.

This is the best way to keep water out of your foundation. That said, it often requires excavation to access your foundation, which makes the process expensive. You can expect to spend $5,000 to waterproof your foundation. 

The typical price range is $2,400 to $10,000, but it varies depending on how much work is needed. Spending $7,000 to $10,000 to waterproof a foundation is more likely for large homes, especially if extensive excavation is necessary. 

Summing It Up

You can protect your foundation from damage if you regrade your yard and extend your downspout. This will direct water away from your house, so it doesn’t seep into the foundation. It’s also worth installing a French drain and removing nearby trees and bushes, so the roots don’t damage the foundation. 

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• How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost?
• How To Add A Bathroom On A Concrete Slab Foundation