Posted June 4, 2010 by Laura Wagner

Keeping Your Homes Foundation Happy in the Heat...

I’m guessing most of us don’t think about our homes foundation the way we think about our skin during the heat of summer. Just as our skin cracks when exposed to excessive heat so does our homes foundation. When the soil under the foundation expands it begins to act as a sponge. As the soil absorbs the water it swells and as it loses water it shrinks. This swelling and shrinking of the soil causes a shift in the foundation from all the excessive movement. Over time this shifting back and forth has potential to cause a serious problem for your homes foundation. Just as your skin requires moisture to keep from cracking, so does the foundation of your home. There are several ways to prevent such shifting from occurring. One is to install a buried foundation watering system. This is also considered the best option but it can get expensive. There are less expensive options such as a soaker hose. You bury the soaker hose about three inches deep and about six inches away from the foundation. By placing the hose a short distance from the foundation this allows the water to soak into the soil more evenly.  The least expensive form of foundation watering is to simply take out the water hose and hose down the driveway and around the home.  The amount of water required to keep your foundation stable during the heat of summer can be a pretty substantial number. A single large tree can remove as much as 150 gallons of water from the soil every day. During the hot dry weather it is a good idea to water the foundation every day.

So stay cool this summer….don’t forget the sunscreen for your skin and the “sunscreen” for your home.

For any of your home buying, selling, or leasing needs please email or give me a call..I would love to help! laura@rogershealy.com  972.380.3430