The foundation is a vital, overlooked part of any house. Keeping the foundation strong is important if you want your house to continue to stand, but many people don't do anything to avoid foundation problems until major repairs are already needed. To prevent serious problems with your house's foundation, pay attention to the following things.

Tiny Cracks

It is not unnatural to see tiny foundation cracks forming over time. However, once you start seeing them, it's important you understand that you can't leave them alone. Left untouched, the cracks can deepen, allowing soil, rainwater and other substances to creep in, weakening the entire foundation.

Instead, keep some commercial epoxy crack filler on hand and apply it to every small crack you come across.

Downspouts

Downspouts carry rainwater off your roof and into the ground near your home, but it is important that you ensure that the downspouts aren't merely dumping water down next to your house's foundation, which could increase the pressure around the foundation itself. You might want to purchases extenders for the downspouts so that water is dumped further away and the foundation remains undamaged.

Soil Moisture

You might not realize this, but the soil around your foundation has a lot to do with how healthy your foundation is. Typically, the more hydrated soil is, the more likely it is to expand; when soil is crumbly and dry, there is some shrinkage. When your home was built, this was likely taken into consideration by the people who laid the foundation. However, over time, environmental conditions may have changed. The foundation may shift a little because of these changes in the soil.

Shrubs, flowers and trees that you plant around the perimeter of your house may also affect the soil and the shifting of your foundation. Plant roots draw in moisture from the surrounding soil; if you have a lot of plants that need water, your soil may become drier and drier, leaving more room for the foundation to shift.

To avoid this, you should be regularly checking the soil around your home. It should feel spongy and slightly damp, not arid and crumbly. If needed, water the area around your home more often.

Septic Tank

An overflowing or leaking septic tank can easily exert additional pressure on the foundation because of the increased water in the area. To avoid any problems, have your septic tank assessed regularly by a professional and take steps indoors to ensure that your entire septic system is functioning properly.

When you're able to monitor the things in this article, you might be able to avoid serious problems with your home's foundation. If you suspect there are foundation issues that need to be examined or you're concerned about what you're seeing, consult a foundation repair company such as McNabb Construction Ltd. They can help you find solutions to any particular problems that you may be facing.