If you have lived in the Kansas City area for long, you know that our weather can change on a dime. While this gives midwesterners something to post on Facebook, it can wreak havoc on our homes – especially our foundations. So here are some things you can do this fall to maintain the structural integrity of your home – and keep water out of your basement.

What To Do Each Fall to Keep Your Foundation Healthy

Your home is one of your biggest investments. Avoid expensive whole-house repairs by following these tips to help keep your foundation healthy.

Insulate your pipes.

The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted extreme cold temperatures for Kansas City this winter, so it would be wise to insulate your pipes before the temps drop. Broken pipes can ruin your day. Besides damaging your stuff and leaving you without water, the water can seep into minor cracks in your concrete slab. And we all know the damage freezing and thawing water can do to concrete.

Clear your gutters.

Cleaning your gutters prolongs the life of your roof. However, a fully-functioning home drainage system is also essential to keep your foundation healthy. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris – before the ice and snow arrive.

Slope soil away from your home.

What happens to the melting snow and ice once it runs through your gutters? Does the water continue to run away from your home’s foundation? Ensure your downspout is long enough to direct water away from your foundation. There shouldn’t be any water lingering close to the perimeter of your foundation. Also, ensure the soil slopes away from the house so the water doesn’t puddle next to your foundation walls.

Keep piles of snow away from your home.

As you shovel (or snow blow) snow off your sidewalks, walkways, and driveway, make sure you direct the snow away from your home. That snow will eventually melt, so you want to avoid huge piles sitting right along your home’s foundation.

Winterize your irrigation system and remove your hoses from the spigots.

Take care of this necessary winterizing task well before the first hard freeze.

Make sure your sump pump is functioning.

If you have problems keeping water out of your basement, ensure your sump pump is functioning before winter hits. Sump pump installation and repair are inexpensive and can save you from headaches caused by a leaking basement.

Look for warning signs of foundation issues.

Do you have doors or windows that are hard to open or close? Are cracks appearing in the walls over your doors or windows? Are there cracks in your basement floor? These might be signs of foundation issues.

While these foundation problems can threaten your home’s integrity, excess water in the home may also harm the health of your family members.

Contact JLB Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing

For foundation repair in Kansas City, contact JLB. We specialize in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and mudjacking throughout the Kansas City Metro area. Give us a call today to schedule a free inspection.