Fall Foundation Protection: A Guide to Keeping Your Home Safe

As the vibrant colors of fall surround us, it’s essential to prepare your home for the changing weather. Our goal as Washington foundation repair experts is to provide you with valuable advice on how to safeguard your home from the challenges of season shifts and maximize your fall foundation prevention. It’s important not only to prevent damage, but also to maintain proper landscaping practices that will shield your home’s foundation from potential issues.

1. Maintain a Safe Distance: Trees and shrubs growing too close to your foundation can send roots that may potentially harm your home’s structural integrity. To prevent this, we recommend that any tree reaching a height of 6 feet or taller, or shrubs that grow to a height of 3 feet or more, be positioned at least 5 feet away from your house. This practice minimizes the risk of root intrusion and prevents termites and drainage issues.
2. Clear Zone Maintenance: The foliage of trees and shrubs can create a maintenance issue by causing debris like leaves and needles to accumulate around your foundation. This debris can negatively affect the performance of your home’s perimeter drainage system. To mitigate this problem, maintain a clear zone around your foundation by keeping organic mulch at least 1 foot away from the house. Additionally, using appropriate drainage gravel in this area can help prevent further maintenance issues.
3. Proper Grading: The correct grading around your home is essential to ensure that excess rainwater drains away from your foundation. We recommend a slope of about 6 inches for every 10 feet away from the perimeter of the house. This slope encourages rainwater to flow away from the foundation, reducing the risk of moisture-related problems.

1. Foundation Health: Protecting your foundation from root intrusion and moisture issues is crucial for its long-term health. A compromised foundation can lead to costly repairs and structural instability.
2. Drainage Efficiency: Ensuring that water drains away from your home prevents water from seeping into the foundation, basement, or crawl spaces. This is essential for maintaining a dry and healthy living environment.
3. Termite Prevention: Keeping trees and shrubs at a safe distance from your home is also essential for termite prevention. These pests can use branches or roots as bridges to access your home, potentially causing extensive damage. By maintaining a recommended clearance, you reduce the risk of termite infestations. Check the Termite Map to see if your Seattle neighborhood is at a higher risk of termites.

As the Seattle autumn creeps up, your fall foundation protection should be a top priority for your home. The right landscaping and maintenance practices can go a long way in protecting your home’s foundation. By adhering to the recommended clearances, maintaining proper grading, and following the additional tips provided, you can prevent a range of problems, from root intrusion to drainage issues. Remember that a well-preserved foundation is essential for the structural integrity of your Seattle home and can save you money on potential repairs down the line.

If you suspect issues with your foundation already, contact your local foundation repair experts at R&R Foundation Specialist. With over two decades of industry experience and regional expertise, we’d be pleased to protect your home and family for years to come.