The potential of water to cause damage to both foundations and homes is often underestimated by many homeowners. Unfortunately, as a consequence of hailstorms, drainage issues, pipe breaks, etc. water damage happens unexpectedly. As the foundation serves as the bedrock of a resilient and sturdy residential structure, such damage requires a professional service for water mitigation Memphis. Therefore, within this guide, a list of actionable measures to safeguard a foundation from such damage will be explored.

How to Prevent Water Damage to the Foundation?

The infiltration of water through the foundation poses a dual threat. It not only weakens the structural integrity of a home, but it threatens the occupants’ safety, serving as both an electrical hazard and the growth of hazardous mold, as well. As a precautionary measure, homeowners ought to conduct regular checks on their foundation to identify any indicators of damage for water mitigation in Memphis.

●      Keep the Foundation as Visible as Possible

Despite the potential lack of aesthetic appeal associated with an exposed foundation, it is crucial to maintain a small gap between the home’s exterior materials and the foundation. Moreover, building and construction professionals strongly advise leaving a minimum of 6 to 7 inches of cement or brick exterior foundation and nearly 8 inches of wood foundation exposed. When homeowners cover their foundation with mulch or soil, it creates a space to penetrate moisture and damage the foundation.

●      Checks for Any Signs of Damage

During cold weather spells, it is essential to consistently detach hoses from faucets to avoid potential issues. It can lead to bursting or blocking the water flow due to freezing temperatures. Hence, a thorough inspection of the entire foundation is warranted to detect dampness, moisture damage, leaks, and its source. When identifying small cracks in the foundation, applying caulk can effectively address the issue, preventing leaks and preventing the cracks from worsening.

●      Maintain Proper Drainage Facilities

Creating a slope in the soil around the home is one of the simplest and most effective means to ensure proper water drainage away from the foundation. In fact, drainage experts claim to maintain a slope of approximately 6 ft within nearly 10 ft of distance. This process, known as grading, is generally the most economical and cost-efficient solution. By successfully diverting water from the foundation, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering water-related foundation problems.

●      Install Good Quality of Waterproofing System

In situations where individuals encounter water accumulation resulting from river overflow or natural calamities, the installation of a reliable sump pump in the basement serves as a preventive measure against basement flooding and consequential water damage to the foundation. Additionally, they can install drain tiles, which are typically 4-inch perforated pipes positioned along the home’s perimeter. These drain tiles efficiently channel water away from the property and help in water management.

Conclusion

In order to plan effective water mitigation in Memphis,  any instances of physical damage or water damage should be promptly attended to and repaired without delay upon inspecting the foundation. Furthermore, homeowners should clean gutters regularly, monitor water pressure and even install water alarms to prevent damage from disaster.