FOUNDATION CARE

FOUNDATION CARE
Avoiding costly repairs
WARNING SIGNS
On the exterior: cracks in the brick or buckling siding; gaps around doors and windows; cracks in the foundation
On the garage: door separating from building; buckling wall
In the basement: walls leaning in or out; cracks in a wall; water leaks; musty smell
Inside other rooms: misaligned doors and windows; doors and windows that stick; cracks in drywall, floor or tile; sloping floor
PREVENTION
Clean gutters in spring and fall.
Use downspout extensions that divert water 3 to 4 feet away from the foundation.
Plant shrubs at least 3 feet from foundation.
Use a soaker hose 2 to 3 feet from the house to water foundation in hot, dry weather -- usually in July, August and September.
Fix plumbing leaks.
Sources: K.C. Waterproofing, Foundation Repair Network, Dry Basement & amp; Foundation Systems, Foundation Repair Network