Foundation Maintenance

Drainage

1. 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.
2. No ponding of water within five (5) feet of the foundation.
3. The air conditioning drain should be a minimum of 5 feet long and
   drain into a slope away from the foundation.
4. 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.
5. Place splash blocks to diver roof valleys runoff water away from
   the foundation.
6. No standing water or flowing water against the foundation or under
   the home (pier and beam foundation),
7. Leaking hose bib should be repaired promptly to prevent
   concentrated continued wetting.

Landscaping

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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)

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Water trees and shrubbery well to prevent root intrusion to the soil
   under the home.
4. Monitor areas around your foundation and water dry, cracked
   areas: but do not water damp areas. Uniform, even moisture is the
   need.
5. 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.
6. High water bills may mean a water leak. Check for wet spots or low
   areas full of water. Get them repaired promptly.
7. Mildew or mold on rocks or the foundation may mean a potential
   moisture or water leak problem.
8. 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.