Drainage
- Drainage must be away from all sides of your foundation to prevent ponding. The dirt should slope away from the foundation a minimum of one to two inches.
- No ponding of water within five (5) feet of the foundation.
- The air conditioning drain should be a minimum of 5 feet long and
drain into a slope away from the foundation. - Downspouts from gutters should be directed away from the
foundation and never into flower gardens adjacent to the foundation.
Gutters should be used on courtyards or roof run-off areas. - Place splash blocks to diver roof valleys runoff water away from
the foundation. - No standing water or flowing water against the foundation or under
the home (pier and beam foundation), - Leaking hose bib should be repaired promptly to prevent
concentrated continued wetting.
Landscaping
- Shrubbery should be planted no closer than five (5) feet unless
dwarf plants and these should be at least three feet. Over-grown
shrubbery should be removed or root barriers Installed. - Trees or large shrubbery should be at least 15 feet from the
foundation. Trees closer (natural) a root barrier should be installed 3
to 4 feet below the grade beam to prevent root intrusion under the
foundation. - Flower beds by the fountain should drain away from the
foundation. Decorative borders should have drains to prevent
ponding of the roof run-off or dripline. Best that the border not
Include the roof run-off line to prevent excessive moisture at the
foundation. - Plastic vapor barrier to keep weeds out of rock beds should not be
used inside the five-foot distance from the foundation.
Moisture Maintenance (all Seasons)
- Assure the area around the foundation, the moisture is properly maintained for a minimum of 18 inches by Irrigating or sprinkling using a soaker hose at low pressure for a minimum of two hours a week.
- Water flower beds adjacent to the foundation preventing drying
and cracking of the dirt. Bark or rock may help to hold in moisture.
Don’t flood for hours but a slow watering for one or two hours a week. - Water trees and shrubbery well to prevent root intrusion to the soil
under the home. - Monitor areas around your foundation and water dry, cracked
areas: but do not water damp areas. Uniform, even moisture is the
need. - Check sprinkler systems to assure the heads, lines or connections
are not leaking below the surface; i.e. very wet areas, low pressure
sprinkler heads, flowing water out the ground or ponding-get them
repaired promptly. - High water bills may mean a water leak. Check for wet spots or low
areas full of water. Get them repaired promptly. - Mildew or mold on rocks or the foundation may mean a potential
moisture or water leak problem. - If you have a natural spring make sure the water drains away from
the foundation or have a french drain Installed to carry off the
excessive moisture.