Your home’s foundation does a lot of heavy lifting — literally. It holds everything up, keeps the floors level, and helps your doors and windows work properly. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to keep it in good shape. Here are a few simple things you can do (and look out for) to make sure your foundation stays solid for years.
1. Keep an Eye on Cracks
Small cracks in concrete are pretty normal, especially in older homes. But if you start noticing one getting longer or wider, snap a quick photo and check on it every few months. If it’s growing, that’s your cue to get someone to take a look before it turns into a bigger deal.
2. Make Sure Water Flows Away
If water hangs around near your home after it rains, your foundation might not be happy about it. Try to keep your gutters clean and make sure downspouts are sending water a few feet away from the house. Bonus: It’ll also help keep your basement or crawl space dry.
3. Check Doors and Windows
When a door suddenly doesn’t close right or a window sticks, it might not just be humidity. Sometimes it’s the house settling or shifting a little. Usually it’s nothing major — but it’s worth keeping an eye on if it keeps happening.
4. Look for Damp Spots in the Basement
If you’ve got a basement or crawl space, do a quick walk-through now and then. A little moisture or a musty smell can be an early sign that water’s sneaking in. Most of the time, fixing a drainage issue outside does the trick.
5. Keep the Soil Happy Too
Believe it or not, the dirt around your home matters. If it dries out too much, it can shrink and pull away from the foundation. During long dry spells, a light watering of the soil around your home can actually help keep everything stable.
💬 Quick Wrap-Up
Keeping your foundation in good shape isn’t about big projects — it’s about little habits that add up. Stay on top of drainage, check for changes once in a while, and deal with small stuff before it becomes expensive stuff.
If you ever want a second opinion, that’s what home inspectors are for — a quick look can save a lot of stress later.
