In Ohio, rain and snow are major concerns when dealing with mother nature. Too much rain can be a major problem for you, if you don’t have the proper drainage around the foundation of your home. Water seeping into the basement of your home and the build up humidity, are major problems many homeowners have to deal with around this part of the country year after year. Dry weather though can also play havoc with the foundation of your home as many home owners in Texas are finding out.
For more about this and other stories follow the links below.
WYLIE (CBSDFW.COM) – The hot, dry weather conditions in North Texas lately are causing the soil around the foundations of many area homes
to dry out, contract and pull away from homes. That can cause foundation problems.
While the conservation plan allows for up to twice per week landscape watering using automatic sprinkler systems to maintain a healthy lawn, the amount ofwater needed around foundations could be different than for lawns and gardens.
“Customers served by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) are encouraged to use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to properly water homefoundations,” said Denise Hickey, water conservation manager at the North Texas Municipal Water District.
Officials with the Texas A&M AgriLife ExtensionService in Dallas have tips for the proper set-up and use of soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems.
How To Check Your Home For Foundation Damage Due To Weather
OKLAHOMA CITY –
The summer heat can cause a costly repair for homeowners. It can destroy your home’s foundation.
The scorching summer can put a major strain on home foundations. From heavy rain fall and floods earlier this year to triple digit heat, those weather extremes are tilting foundations and forcing homeowners to make expensive repairs.
Homeowners tend to fix small cracks here and there but it’s harder to keep up with rapid changes. So keep an eye out.
You can tell if there is a problem when doors don’t shut properly and you can see gaps beside your windows. Cracks in the foundation, drywall, and exterior bricks are also a big sign.
Take a look at the dirt outside your home for signs of cracking.
One business owner actually said he’s received at least 100 phone calls in three days. Repairs can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Foundation problems can lead to plumbing and roofing issues, you’ll want to get an early start. That way the problems won’t start to stack up.
4 TIPS TO AVOIDING MAJOR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS
There are few areas of your home that can rack up repair bills like the foundation. When foundation problems start, they can quickly affect other areas of your home, which is why it’s vital to catch signs of trouble early and fix them effectively. Many of these problems can be avoided with proper maintenance and keeping a watchful eye. Here are a few tips for keeping your foundation strong and healthy.
- Minor cracks
When you notice small cracks in your foundation, you may be tempted to ignore them. These small cracks have a nasty habit of growing into major problems, however. Instead, clean out the cracks immediately to clear away any dirt and debris. Then, you can seal them with epoxy or other materials meant for concrete repair. This ensure the crack won’t grow over time.
- Moisture levels
During dry, hot Oklahoma summers, the soil around your foundation shrinks and can eventually cause damage. However, over-watering this soil can also be detrimental to your foundation. The key is to never let the environment around your home to get too extreme. If you have plants and other vegetation around your home, keeping these healthy should also keep your foundation healthy. If you don’t, consider installing rock beds that extend to about a foot or two from the foundation. This allows rain water to gradually filter to the soil and keep it cool and moist all year.
