5 Ways Landscaping Can Harm Your Foundation

Plant beds are an attractive addition to a home. To keep them functioning correctly, proper maintenance is required. Landscapers should ensure that the plant bed has an accurate grade to prevent drainage issues. Using mulch can help maintain the plant bed’s health by storing water during heat and redirecting excess water away from the home. Avoid edging the mulch and flower bed to allow proper water drainage.

If you have spots in your yard that have depressions they are probably holding excess water. This water will kill the plants and grass around it. It will also create soft spots in your yard if left too long. To avoid pooling water a proper drainage solution should be implemented. This can be an underground system such as a French drain or deep well, or you could even create a channel or swale to hold the water. Using plants and stones either of the latter solutions can be a beautiful addition to your landscaping.

Water retention on concrete surfaces can cause damage. Sidewalks, driveways, and walkways in homes should be designed with proper runoff in mind to prevent water pooling. A lack of proper grading can cause water to accumulate, weakening the concrete’s integrity and moving water toward the home foundation. In cases where grading isn’t possible, retaining walls can be used to redirect water away from the foundation. Effective runoff management is crucial for maintaining the longevity of a home foundation.

Gutters play a crucial role in proper home drainage by directing roof water into downspouts and away from the home foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflowing onto the home or pooling near the foundation, putting it at risk. To ensure proper gutter function, regularly clean and inspect them. If water is draining too close to the home, consider installing a gutter extension to move the water at least six feet away from your home.

It is critical to consider the impacts of landscaping design on your home. If you live in the Houston area and notice signs that your foundation may be shifting or having an issues, there is only one call to make. Trust the professionals of AAA Foundation Service to provide honest information about your foundation issues and how your landscaping may be playing a role with the issues you are facing. Call us today and we will get you setup with an in-depth inspection, free repair estimate, and a list of solutions.