As the Snow Melts and Spring Rains Arrive, Keep Water Moving Away From Your Foundation
Spring brings a welcome shift in weather—but it also brings moisture, and lots of it. Melting snow and seasonal rain can quickly turn from refreshing to problematic if water isn’t properly directed away from your home. One of the most common (and costly) issues we see in spring is foundation damage caused by poor drainage. Thankfully, a few simple precautions can help protect your home from long-term water issues.
Here’s how to keep water at bay:
- Angle gutters and downspouts properly – Make sure your gutters are clean and sloped correctly so that water flows toward the downspouts—and that those downspouts carry water at least 3–6 feet away from your foundation. Adding extenders or splash blocks can help keep runoff from pooling next to your home.
- Redirect sprinklers – As you begin watering your yard again, double-check that sprinkler heads aren’t aimed at your house or foundation. Over time, repeated moisture near the base of your home can erode soil and seep into crawl spaces or basements.
- Be strategic with landscaping – Avoid planting shrubs or trees too close to the foundation. Roots can disturb the soil around your home, and dense vegetation can trap moisture against exterior walls. Try to maintain at least 12–18 inches of space between plants and your home’s perimeter.
- Inspect your crawl space – If your home has a crawl space, early spring is a great time to take a peek. Look for signs of moisture like standing water, mud, condensation, or musty odors. Catching issues early can prevent mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage.
- Check for soil settling – Over the winter, soil around your home may have compacted or washed away. Regrade areas where needed to ensure water flows away from your foundation, not toward it.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Water intrusion can be subtle at first, but over time it leads to big problems—especially in older homes not designed with modern drainage in mind. Regular seasonal check-ins like these can help preserve the integrity of your foundation and save you from expensive repairs down the road.
If you’re unsure what to look for, or want a second opinion, we’re here to help. A quick walk through with a trained eye can go a long way in keeping your home dry and damage-free all year long.
