 Those of us familiar with Midwest summers know to expect heat and humidity. We drink lots of water and make sure our pets and plants have plenty as well. Unfortunately, homeowners often forget (or don't know) they should also be watering their foundations....and that oversight can end up costing thousands of dollars!
The hot weather and lack of rain we usually see in summer causes soil to dry out, which can lead to it pulling away from your foundation. This might not sound like an issue, but the soil around your foundation is part of your home's support structure. Soil retraction can cause basement walls to lean or drop, either of which can have a high repair cost. Fortunately, it is easy to protect your foundation from damage due to loss of soil support. Just Water It! Make sure the soil around your home (up to about 6 feet out) gets 1-2 inches of water per week. If it doesn't rain, get out the hose or sprinkler and do the watering yourself. If you've already noticed your basement walls leaning, cracking sheetrock, or have doors/windows that are hard to open, call a foundation expert! It is easier and less expensive to remedy problems sooner rather than later...and you want to make sure you're getting the right repair when your foundation is shifting. | 