When it comes to soil, not many homeowners give it a second thought. However, it may be a good idea that you start giving it the attention it deserves. The reason why is because its role is very important for a yard and your home as it helps deter rain from entering your home. Not only that, but the foundation around your home needs plenty of soil, as well as slope in order to allow for complete water drainage. When soil erosion happens the soil begins to deplete after loosening.
There are many reasons why soil erosion happens, with the prime reason being huge amounts of rain. Torrential rainfall is able to easily loosen and remove precious soil that is intended to be protecting your home’s foundation. If you live in an area that receives a substantial amount of rain constantly, then you will likely experience soil erosion. Another way that erosion can happen is by overdevelopment land or private yards. So the next time you dig up plants or remove a tree stump, keep this in mind as it will loosen the soil and begin the erosion process.
Although soil erosion may not seem like something to worry about now, it does have the potential to damage your home’s foundation. This could ultimately present you with an unforeseen amount of needed repair. With that, here are a few ways that soil erosion can affect a home’s foundation.
- Cracks in the foundation – A crack in the home’s foundation can become a huge problem if it is not taken care of quickly. They can also create other problems in the overall structure such as possible water leaking in, sagging of walls, and an infestation of insects.
- Flooding – Flooding can easily occur as water enters through the crack. Plus, the size of the crack can determine how fast and amount of water that comes in. So if the majority of your soil is gone, then you will unlikely have much left to help prevent anything. So the water just sits at the foundation and slowly creeps through a crack to cause a flood.
- Fluctuation – Fluctuation in the foundation can occur if soil erosion happens. As fluctuation happens, the integrity of the structure becomes weakened, thus possibly putting the home’s tenants in danger. Also, a foundation that has begun to deteriorate will not be a cheap price to pay.
Halting Soil Erosion from Happening
Having soil erosion occur at the foundation of a home is equally problematic for homes on a slope as it is for homes on land that is flat. Plus, regardless of having a ton of rain constantly, you can never be too prepared when soil erosion is concerned, which is why it is important that you know about these great methods that work:
- Installing a Downspout – Installing a downspout is a good way how to fix erosion on side of house. When a downspout is installed to your roofs eaves, the rain will be caught and drained to your designated area. The best way to install them is to ensure the drainage is no less than 5 ft. away for compact soil and no more than 10 ft. for soil that widens.
- Plant Landscaping Items – When you develop landscaping with plants or grass is another way to fix erosion on the side of the house. You will be able to have erosion controlled around the foundation. Besides greenery, you can opt for gravel, crushed rock, pavers, or timbers for landscaping. It is best to avoid landscaping bark altogether because of it being easily washed away.
- Restore the Slope – After you check the foundation’s slope you should notice it to be at a 5% slope. If not, then you need to place additional soil and a heavy cover so it does not move. If repairing is not manageable, then you need to place a foundation barrier that will prevent moisture.
