Summer’s here, and with it comes scorching temperatures that can be tough on both you and your home. While you’re cranking up the AC and seeking shade, it’s important to remember that your foundation is also feeling the heat. Extreme temperatures can pose a hidden threat to your home’s structural integrity. Here at Foundation Repair of Kansas, we want to help you beat the heat while keeping your foundation safe.
The Dehydration Dilemma:
Just like any living thing, soil needs water to stay healthy. During extended dry periods and scorching summers, the ground can become parched and dehydrated. This shrinkage can lead to foundation problems like:
- Settling: As the soil dries and shrinks, it pulls away from your foundation, causing it to settle unevenly. This can result in cracks in your foundation walls and uneven floors.
- Gaps Around Openings: The movement of the foundation can create gaps around windows, doors, and crawl space openings, compromising your home’s energy efficiency and potentially allowing pests to enter.
Watering Wisely for a Strong Foundation:
The good news is that you can take steps to mitigate these risks by keeping your foundation’s soil hydrated. Here are some smart watering strategies:
- Target the Foundation: Focus your watering efforts on the soil around your foundation, not your entire lawn. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the root zone.
- Water Deeply, Not Frequently: Deep watering sessions encourage the roots of nearby plants to grow deeper, drawing water further down and helping to stabilize the soil around your foundation. Avoid shallow, frequent watering that only wets the surface.
- Mind the Mulch: A layer of mulch around your foundation helps retain moisture in the soil and reduces evaporation. Choose a coarse, organic mulch that allows for some air circulation.
Extra Summertime Foundation Safety Tips:
In addition to strategic watering, here are some bonus tips to keep your foundation cool and protected during the summer:
- Provide Shade for Your Foundation: If possible, plant trees or shrubs strategically to cast shade on the exposed sides of your foundation. This helps regulate soil temperature and minimizes drying.
- Direct Gutters Away From the Foundation: Ensure your gutters are properly functioning and directing rainwater away from your foundation. Standing water can contribute to foundation problems.
- Schedule Regular Foundation Inspections: Even with preventative measures, it’s wise to have your foundation inspected regularly, especially after periods of extreme heat or drought. This allows for early detection of any potential issues.
Foundation Repair of Kansas: Your Partner in Summertime Foundation Care
Don’t let the summer heat put your foundation at risk. By following these tips and scheduling regular inspections with Foundation Repair of Kansas, you can enjoy a safe and cool summer in a home with a strong foundation. Contact us today for a free consultation and peace of mind!
