Your home’s foundation is what literally keeps everything together. But over time, the forces of nature, poor maintenance, and construction flaws can cause that foundation to shift—leading to cracks, sloping floors, stuck doors, and expensive repair bills. Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to protect your investment. Here are the best practices to prevent foundation shifting and ensure your home stays solid for years to come.
Understand What Causes Foundation Shifting
Before jumping into prevention, it’s important to understand the most common causes of foundation movement:
- Soil moisture changes: Expansive soils (like clay) swell when wet and shrink when dry, which can push against or pull away from your foundation.
- Improper drainage: Water pooling around your foundation can lead to soil erosion and uneven settling.
- Tree roots: Large trees planted too close to the house can draw moisture from the soil, causing it to dry and shrink.
- Poor compaction: If the soil beneath your foundation wasn’t properly compacted during construction, it may settle unevenly over time.
Now that we know the threats, let’s dive into how to prevent them.
1. Maintain Consistent Soil Moisture Levels
In areas with clay-rich soil, the expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating moisture is a major issue. To combat this:
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to maintain even moisture around your foundation during dry spells.
- Avoid overwatering, which can saturate the soil and lead to instability.
- Mulch flower beds and landscaping around the home to help retain soil moisture naturally.
Consistency is key—dramatic changes in moisture levels are what cause soil to shift and stress your foundation.
2. Ensure Proper Drainage Around Your Home
Water should flow away from your home—not pool around it. Check for these critical elements:
- Gutters and downspouts: Make sure your gutters are cleaned regularly—especially in areas like Ogden where seasonal debris can quickly build up. Gutter cleaning helps prevent water overflow, while downspouts should direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation to avoid pooling and soil erosion.
- Grading: The ground around your home should slope away at a minimum of 6 inches over 10 feet.
- French drains or swales: If your property is flat or prone to heavy rains, consider installing drainage systems to redirect water away.
Poor drainage is one of the fastest ways to undermine your foundation, so don’t skip this step.
3. Plant Trees and Shrubs Strategically
While trees provide beauty and shade, their roots can wreak havoc on your foundation.
- Keep large trees at least 20 feet from the house. For smaller trees, 10–15 feet is typically sufficient.
- Avoid planting moisture-loving species like willows or silver maples too close to the home.
- Install root barriers if necessary to prevent existing trees from creeping under your foundation.
Smart landscaping goes a long way in keeping your foundation stable.
4. Monitor for Cracks and Warning Signs
Catch shifting early by watching for the following red flags:
- Cracks in interior walls, ceilings, or flooring
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick or won’t close properly
- Gaps forming between walls and ceilings
- Uneven or sloping floors
If you notice any of these issues, consult a structural engineer or foundation specialist right away. Early intervention can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.
5. Avoid DIY Excavation Near the Foundation
It might be tempting to dig a new garden bed or build a pond near the house, but any excavation too close to your foundation can disturb the soil and lead to shifting. Always consult a professional before digging near the base of your home.
6. Maintain Your Plumbing System
Leaks from underground pipes—especially in older homes—can saturate the soil beneath your foundation and lead to instability. Regular plumbing inspections can help catch hidden leaks early and keep the soil around your home dry and compacted.
7. Consider a Foundation Inspection
If your home is over 10 years old or built on expansive soil, a professional foundation inspection can be a smart preventive measure. A specialist can identify early signs of trouble and suggest targeted solutions before expensive repairs are needed.
Final Thoughts
Foundation shifting doesn’t happen overnight—but its effects can be costly and long-lasting. With proactive care, smart landscaping, proper drainage, and regular monitoring, you can keep your foundation (and your home) steady and strong. Remember, prevention is far cheaper and far easier than repair. So keep it together—starting from the ground up.