Typically when we’re talking about water damage we mean flooding in the home from broken pipes or heavy rains. That type of water damage is substantial and can compromise the construction and contents of your home equally. This kind of water damage is repaired by replacing walls, insulation, carpeting, and personal effects while investigating the home for lingering mold. But there are other dangers that can come from long-term water damage you aren’t aware of.
What is Soil Erosion?
Soil erosion occurs in nature everywhere. Either from wind or water, the top layer of soil is stripped away, often removing needed support for solid objects such as rocks (in nature) or man-made structures such as roads and foundations. As water pools on the surface, it works its way along the path of gravity. This is usually a downhill flow but, when the ground is saturated, it will force its way through all manner of blockades. For many homes, this means driving away the soil around your foundation for quick, easy access down.
As soil is washed away, pools can form along the edges of your home. These small pools will work their way into the gaps between your lawn and the foundation of your home. Once there, water will seep into cracks in the foundation, widening them as temperatures change, causing expansion and contraction of both the concrete and the water. Even if your foundation isn’t cracked, it won’t stay that way for long. Water, in its constant trek to follow gravity, will wash away supporting soil, leading to a cracked foundation.
How Can You Protect Your Foundation?
There are many ways to protect your home and, fortunately, most homes come well-equipped to begin with.
Monitor Your Home During Storms – Always keep an eye out during and after storms for any places around the base of your home where water might begin to pool. All water should flow away from the base of your home. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are directing water towards storm drains and that any flower beds, bushes, or other plants are not acting as a barrier and holding water in place against the side of your home.
Use Gutters and Downspouts – Make sure that all gutters and downspouts are clean before it rains. Yes, cleaning these out is a tiresome chore, but it’s essential. Clear away and dirt, nest, or other debris and make sure that the spouts are releasing water at least five feet away from your home. If for some reason your home doesn’t have gutters, have them installed before the next storm.
Landscaping – Grass is an excellent way to prevent soil erosion. The roots work to keep soil clumped together. Proper landscaping and design slopes the ground around the edges of the home to lead water towards drains that are not near the home. Plants, gardens, and grass all work to keep the soil in place so it isn’t washed out with the water. Keep your lawn healthy and your home will stay healthy too.
Install French Drains – Installing a French drain system around the foundation of your home will give a place for water to travel to. This is something you’ll need to contact a landscaper or plumber to have installed and it will require trenchwork which means temporary yard damage but, for raised homes, it’s almost essential to keep water from damaging your foundation.
With a little bit of work, forethought, and some maintenance, you can protect your home from water damage caused by soil erosion. Most homes only require maintenance and a regular inspection. We recommend making sure that all elements are in good working order before the spring storms roll in.
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