When the foundation of your home or business has settled below its original point due to damage, a contractor will likely tell you it has failed. This is caused by a variety of problems and can be an expensive issue to fix. Fortunately, the drainage experts at Stan Young Drainage in Kentucky and Ohio say this nightmare scenario can be avoided if you are aware of the causes. 

Poor Drainage

If the soil around your home is not properly graded or the gutters and downspouts aren’t doing their job correctly, the water content of the dirt will rise to a damaging level. As the soil tries to accommodate the large amount of liquid, it will expand, thus forcing the foundation to move upward. When this occurs, you might notice cracks in the floor or walls of your home.

To prevent this issue, make sure the drainage system is correctly installed and properly directing water away from the house. If you see it pooling around the base of your home, call for repairs right away to avoid foundation issues.

Big Trees Near the House

While they look beautiful and provide comforting shade in the hot summer, large trees have equally big root systems. If they’re near the house, their root network might be growing under it and interfering with the foundation. Not only are trees powerful enough to crack the walls and any nearby pipes, but they also remove water from the soil, which shrinks the dirt and affects your home’s stability.

If you’re planting a new tree and its species tends to be large, make sure it’s far away from any structures. If you have big ones right by the house, speak with both an arborist and a foundation repair contractor; they might recommend removing or relocating it to avoid damage.

For help ensuring your drainage system is working properly so that you can avoid foundation issues, turn to the team at Stan Young Drainage. They install new systems for both commercial and residential clients, in addition to offering waterproofing and foundation repairs. Call them today at (859) 816-5613 to request a free estimate, or visit their website to learn more about their services.