2. Even and consistent watering should be performed regularly and in creased during dry or “drought” peri ods. Watering should be done around all sides of the home. If a sprinkler system is installed, it should water the entire perimeter. Zoning the system is recommended where over-saturation might otherwise occur along various portions of the home. During dry periods and if it is intended to water only the foundation, a soaker hose laid approximately 18” from the foundation can be allowed to drip moisture slowly into the soils several hours a week. This procedure has been used successfully. (How much water is enough? The answer is that soil should be damp to the touch and should be able to be squeezed into a ball, which will retain its shape. If the soil is hard or dusty or cracked, it is too dry. If it is saturated or “squishy”, it is too wet.) 3. Trees and shrubs can absorb large quantities of water and their root systems can undermine your foundation. It is typically recommended that new trees be planted more than ½ the canopy width of the mature tree away from the foundation. Existing trees adjacent to the foundation should be removed. The larger the tree, the greater the threat. Deep planter beds filled with absorbent planter mix soils should not be placed adjacent to the foundation. If masonry retained planter beds are installed in close proximity to the foundation it is imperative that weep holes be installed in the masonry edges to allow for water to properly drain. Absorbent planter mix soils shall only be installed at actual plant locations. Clay type soils that shed water shall be used in the majority of the flower beds and shall be sloped to drain away from the foundation. Homeowner maintenance in ensuring that a uniform moisture content is maintained around the foundation, to include the flower beds, is imperative in the proper performance of the foundation. Gutter downspouts shall not be allowed to discharge into flowerbeds. 4. It is recommended that you check for leaky hose bibs and air conditioner condensation drain pipes which could induce localized water into the sub-grade. 5. Gutters can typically be used to help prevent roof-run-off from dumping concentrated quantities of water into the ground at re-entrant areas and roof valley locations. Homes with gutters should have downspout extensions and splash blocks and the systems should be cleaned regularly. The splash blocks should not direct the flow into planter beds. 6. Be aware that alterations and improvements such as new landscaping, addition, pools, decks, sidewalks, etc., can change the drainage patterns of your home and could induce problems if area drainage is not properly addressed. Note changes in surrounding of adjacent lots since additional water could be directed at your residence.
In summation, your new foundation will better be able to serve you when the recommendations stated above are incorporated into your home’s normal maintenance program.
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