Foundation Damage From Rain In South Jersey
We all know that the weather here in South Jersey can be pretty unpredictable. With the arrival of fall, South Jersey residents would be wise to expect quite a bit of rainfall. That being said, it is important that you make sure that your home’s foundation is in good condition. This is so that you can avoid any foundation damage from the amount of rain that will likely occur in the next few months. Avoiding damage before it occurs is the best case scenario, but we will also discuss what to do in the event that the damage has already been done.
Avoiding Damage To Your Foundation
So how does one prevent foundation damage from occurring? There are multiple things you can do to help ensure the least possible amount of water damage to your home’s foundation. You will want to keep in mind that your home’s foundation can be susceptible to damage both inside and out.
Areas To Check To Avoid Damage
Check For Cracks: Your foundation can develop tiny cracks over time. These cracks can lead to slow seepage, which can be just as damaging as something like a flood. You can inspect your foundation walls for cracks and have them repaired. Whether these cracks are big or small, they can still cause a lot of foundation damage. It is best to try to avoid damage before it happens, but if you suspect that water damage has already occurred, you may want to have your home inspected for mold. If you notice any staining or discoloration on your foundation walls, this is a sign that water damage has already occurred. You want to have a professional mold inspector take a look at this as soon as possible, as mold can develop in as quickly as 24 to 48 hours. - Drain Water Away From The House: Allowing water to pool around your house can cause severe damage. When the soil surrounding your house is excessively wet, it expands, putting strain on your foundation walls. Installing drainage and proper grading around the perimeter of your home can help to minimize the potential for foundation damage. This drainage and grading will ensure that water will not pool directly around the base of your home.
- Gutters & Downspouts: It is important that your gutters and downspouts are in good working condition to avoid foundation damage. These two things may not seem related at first glance, but they go hand in hand. Your gutters must be free of debris for water to flow freely through them and out the downspouts. In conjunction with that, downspouts must be properly placed so that they drain water down and away from the foundation of your home. This helps to avoid water pooling around the foundation of the home, further preventing foundation damage.
The Dangers of Foundation Damage
It is imperative that you are aware of the potential damage your foundation can experience. As a South Jersey homeowner, you already know how unpredictable the weather can be in this area – especially during fall. Between the temperature change and the amount of rainfall, your foundation must be prepared to endure anything that comes at it.
While you should be regularly monitoring your foundation from both the inside and outside, this is especially important during the fall months. This may be the last opportunity you get to repair or avoid this damage before it is too cold to do so. Minor damage is usual an easy fix, and on the less expensive side. This is why it is important to stay on top of foundation maintenance, so you can avoid bigger, more costly repairs.
Damage to your home’s foundation, if left unattended, can allow for extreme water damage to enter your home through cracks in the foundation. As previously mentioned, seepage from small cracks can cause just as much damage as a flood. If you are unaware that damage has occurred, it can develop into a variety of problems for your home. These problems include, but are not limited to:
- Severe property damage, requiring costly repairs
- Structural integrity of your home will be compromised
- Potential safety concerns and health implications stemming from mold growth
- Diminished property value
To avoid damage to your foundation during fall, keep your eyes peeled for areas that are susceptible to damage. Should you come across a crack in your home’s foundation, or find that water is pooling around the perimeter of the home, repair these issues promptly. Preventing damage before it happens is the ideal way to avoid a bigger problem in the future.
