Everyone wants to have a rock-solid year! And if your house had a mind of its own, we’re sure it’d probably set some pretty solid New Year’s Resolutions too.

Because it’s such an important space in your life, it’s important to keep it strong and well-maintained so it can endure whatever 2024 has to offer you.

And when it comes to keeping a strong home, the number one thing you should protect is your foundation. Here are a few ways to maintain it:

Monitor and address minor cracks

Cracks are one of the most significant signs of foundation damage, so it’s important to keep an eye on them even when they look harmless at first.

If you notice hairline or minor cracks along your walls, around your doors and windows, stairs, etc., take note of where they are and whether they grow over a period of time. You can also try to fill them with mixtures for DIY concrete repair or epoxy glue.

Keep checking for cracks around your home and whether the cracks you’ve filled come back. If you start noticing longer or wider gaps, it’s best to call a professional right away.

Make sure you have proper drainage

It’s important to protect the soil around your foundation and prevent too much water from seeping into it. So aside from keeping your downspouts and gutters clean, make sure they direct water away from your foundation instead of towards it.

It’s also good to make sure the slopes around your home don’t cause water to pool around your foundation, especially during the rainy or winter season.

Maintain consistent temperature/moisture levels

The temperature and moisture levels of the soil around your foundation can significantly affect the structural integrity of your foundation. As seasons and weather change, it’s important to make sure the soil and the foundation itself aren’t too dry or too wet.

During hotter months, you can prevent the soil from drying too much by installing an automatic sprinkler or a soaker hose. During the rainy season, however, make sure to follow the previous tip and keep water from pooling around your foundation.

Maintain the trees and shrubbery around your home

Trees and plants keep your property beautiful, but they can also damage your foundation. Large trees and shrubbery that are too close to your home can have extensive root systems that can push against your foundation underground. Long and heavy branches can also pose a safety hazard during stormy weather and during the winter.

Before planting trees or shrubbery on your property, consider their size, type, and keep them preferably 3 feet away from your foundation. You can also add a root barrier to further protect your foundation.

Schedule regular foundation inspections

Of course, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Sure, there are obvious signs of foundation damage that you can address and monitor on your own. But getting regular foundation inspections can help you make sure that every nook and cranny of your home is assessed by an expert.

This way, you can prevent damages from becoming worse and you can maintain your home’s structural integrity for many more years to come.

Need help maintaining a strong home and foundation? Start with a free estimate here or call 980-250-2711.