Foundations and Routine Maintenance

Keep your foundation protected with these tips from the Texas A&M AgriLife Water Education Network.

As part of your homes routine monthly maintenance, be sure to inspect the perimeter of your home’s foundation especially during the long, hot dry summer.
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Soil Shrinks and pulls away from your home’s foundation when it’s dry. By planting around the foundation, you’ll keep the moisture level just right and the dirt exactly where it needs to be.

If you do not see a gap between the soil and foundation, your soil moisture is good. If you see a gap between the foundation and the soil, you need to water the ground around your foundation until the soil swells and closes the gap.

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​Maintain a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch under and around plants. Mulch will prevent evaporation of moisture form the soil and allow irrigation and rainfall to enter the soil more efficiently.

Do not pile up mulch onto the foundation. You always want to be able to check for soil separation and termite tunnels. You want to be able to see the foundation where it meets your siding or brick facing.

​Set up a drip system or a soaker hose around the foundation to water plants and the soil.  Note that some cities allow foundation watering through drip irrigation even during water restrictions.

​If you find a foundation crack, fill it with caulk or waterproofing sealant to avoid water accumulation under your home.

Check your sprinklers regularly for leaks, broken heads, and other maintenance to avoid costly water damage and potential flooding.
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Avoid overplanting around the foundation. You need to be able to see the foundation all around the house. Large plantings that touch the walls encourage wood rot and wood destroying insects to relocate into the walls.