How drought affects your home foundation Advice, House floor guide, Property maintenance tips

How Drought Affects Your Home’s Foundation: What You Can Do About It

16 May 2022

Drought is a huge problem in many parts of the country. Not only does it affect your water supply, but it can also cause damage to your homes. One of the most common problems caused by drought is a damaged home foundation. This blog post will discuss how drought affects your home’s foundation and what you can do about it. We will also provide some tips on protecting your home from the damaging effects of drought.

How Drought Affects Your Home’s Foundation Advice

What does drought do to the soil?

Drought causes the soil to shrink and crack. This can cause problems for your home’s foundation because the soil supports the foundation. When the soil shrinks, it puts pressure on the foundation and can cause cracks. Cracks in your foundation can lead to serious problems, such as water damage, mold, and structural damage.

What are the early signs of foundation problems caused by drought?

The early signs of foundation problems caused by drought are cracks in the foundation, doors, windows that stick, and gaps around doorframes. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse.

What can you do to prevent or repair foundation damage caused by drought?

If you live in an area that is prone to drought, there are some things you can do to prevent or repair damage to your home’s foundation:

Make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris. This will help ensure that rainwater is properly diverted away from your home.
Water your lawn and garden regularly. This will keep the soil moist and help reduce the chance of the soil shrinking and cracking.

If you see any cracks in your foundation, repair them right away.

In addition to this, you can also call in for repairs as you start noticing problems. Here are a few techniques that could help you limit the effect of drought on your house.

Structure wall repair: If you notice cracks in your walls, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Cracks in the walls can allow water to enter your home, leading to further damage.

Foundation settlement repair: If your foundation has settled, it’s important to have it lifted back into place. This will help prevent further damage to your home.

Waterproofing: Waterproofing your home is a great way to protect it from the damaging effects of drought. Waterproofing will help keep the excess water out of your home once it starts flowing in and prevent damage to your foundation.

Retaining Walls: If you live in an area prone to drought, you may want to consider installing a retaining wall. A retaining wall will help hold back the soil and prevent it from shrinking and cracking.

Exterior Drainage: Exterior drainage is another great way to protect your home from the damaging effects of drought. By installing drains around your home, you can help ensure water is diverted away from your foundation once the drought ends and prevent damage.

Interior Drainage: In addition to exterior drainage, you may also want to consider interior drainage. Interior drainage serves the same purpose as exterior drainage, the only difference being it is located inside your house.

Concrete leveling: If you notice that your concrete is starting to crack or settle, it’s important to have it leveled. This will help prevent further damage to your home.

What happens after the drought ends?

Once the drought ends, the soil will start to expand again. This can cause the cracks in your foundation to widen. If you have already repaired any cracks, check them regularly for any new damage.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover the damage caused by drought to your home’s foundation?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies will not cover the damage caused by drought to your home’s foundation. However, it’s always good to check with your insurance company to see if they offer any coverage for this type of damage.

Why you shouldn’t DIY drought foundation repairs?

While it may be tempting to try and repair the damage yourself, it’s important to remember that foundation repairs are best left to the professionals. Foundation repairs require specialized equipment and knowledge to be done properly. Attempting to repair the damage yourself could actually end up causing more damage to your home.

Drought is a serious problem that can cause damage to your home. If you live in an area prone to drought, make sure to take steps to protect your home from the damaging effects of this weather condition.

And if you do experience damage to your foundation, make sure to repair it right away. Taking these steps will help ensure that your home is safe and sound during periods of drought. Remember, Putting off repairs can also lead to further damage that may not be covered by insurance. It’s always best to take care of problems as soon as possible to avoid additional issues.

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