How to Maintain Your House’s Foundation

Your home’s foundation is more than just concrete and steel—the literal and figurative backbone supporting your entire property. Whether you live in the serene hills of Barton Creek or another neighborhood in Austin, maintaining your foundation is critical to preserving your home’s structural integrity, safety, and value. Neglecting it can lead to costly repairs, uneven floors, and even major damage that impacts your home’s resale potential.

Below, we’ll explore the most important steps to maintaining your foundation, the warning signs of damage, and when it’s time to call in a professional.

In Austin, TX, where the weather swings between long dry spells and heavy rains, soil expansion and contraction are common causes of foundation stress. The clay-heavy soil in Barton Creek is particularly prone to this movement.

To prevent foundation shifting:

• Water evenly during dry periods: Use a soaker hose or an irrigation system to maintain consistent moisture levels. Avoid soaking one side of your home more than the other—uneven watering can cause the soil to expand and contract irregularly.
  
  
• Ensure proper drainage: During the rainy season, water should flow away from your home. Use downspout extensions and regrade your yard if needed to direct water at least 5–10 feet away from the foundation.

Balanced moisture is the key—too much water can cause swelling and cracking, while too little can lead to shrinkage and settlement.

Beautiful landscaping enhances your Barton Creek home’s curb appeal, but overgrown trees or deep-rooted plants can be a hidden threat to your foundation. Tree roots can extract moisture from the soil beneath your home, causing it to contract.

Foundation-friendly landscaping tips:

• Plant large trees at least 20 feet away from your foundation.
• Choose native or drought-resistant plants that don’t require excessive watering.
• Consider installing a root barrier between trees and your home to prevent roots from drawing moisture directly from the soil under your foundation.

A well-planned landscape not only looks great but also ensures your foundation stays stable for decades.

Improper drainage is one of the top culprits behind foundation damage. Austin’s occasional heavy downpours can saturate the soil and create hydrostatic pressure against your foundation walls.

To prevent water damage:

• Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year.
• Check that your downspouts discharge water far enough from the house.
• Inspect your yard after a rainstorm—if you notice puddling near the foundation, consider installing a French drain or regrading your landscape.

Even a small drainage issue can lead to soil erosion or shifting that compromises your home’s structure over time.

Small cracks in your foundation or exterior walls are often early warning signs of potential issues. While hairline cracks are common as homes settle, wider or growing cracks should be addressed immediately.

Steps to take:

• Seal minor cracks using epoxy or polyurethane injections to prevent water intrusion.
• For significant cracking or uneven settlement, consult a professional foundation specialist.
• Check for interior warning signs such as doors that stick, sloping floors, or gaps between walls and ceilings.

Early detection and repair can prevent small cracks from turning into costly foundation problems.

The slope of the soil around your home—known as grading—plays a crucial role in directing water away from the foundation. Over time, natural erosion, landscaping changes, or construction can alter your yard’s grade.

How to check your grading:

• The ground should slope downward at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet from your foundation.
• Fill low areas near the base of your home with soil to restore a positive slope.
• Avoid piling mulch or soil too high against your exterior walls, as this can trap moisture.

Proper grading helps your drainage system work efficiently and protects your home’s foundation from water accumulation.

Many homes in Barton Creek feature slab foundations, which can conceal plumbing leaks beneath the surface. A hidden leak can saturate the soil, erode support, and cause sections of your foundation to sink or shift.

Watch for signs of an underground leak:

• Unexplained spikes in your water bill.
• Damp or warm spots on flooring.
• Mold or mildew odors.
• Cracks appear suddenly in walls or tiles.

If you suspect a leak, contact a plumber experienced with slab leak detection to prevent long-term structural damage.

Erosion can weaken the soil beneath your home, especially if your property sits on one of Barton Creek’s scenic slopes. When rainwater flows downhill without control, it can wash away supporting soil layers.

To protect your property:

• Install retaining walls or ground covers to stabilize slopes.
• Use gravel beds or mulch to reduce soil displacement from runoff.
• Direct roof runoff through drainage pipes or channels that bypass vulnerable soil areas.

Preventing erosion is especially important in hilly areas, where soil movement can quickly compromise a foundation’s stability.

Even with consistent maintenance, it’s wise to have your foundation inspected periodically by a professional. In Barton Creek, where soil conditions and weather fluctuations can be unpredictable, routine inspections help identify problems before they escalate.

Professional inspectors will:

• Assess your home’s structural integrity.
• Identify cracks, shifts, or drainage issues early.
• Provide repair or reinforcement recommendations if needed.

A foundation inspection every 2–3 years—or immediately if you notice warning signs—can save you thousands in future repair costs.

Austin’s seasons each pose different challenges for homeowners.

• Spring and summer: Focus on maintaining consistent soil moisture and checking your irrigation system.
• Fall: Clean gutters, check drainage, and inspect the foundation perimeter.
• Winter: Protect outdoor plumbing from freezing and avoid overwatering dormant landscaping.

By aligning your foundation maintenance with the changing seasons, you ensure your home remains strong year-round.

If you notice serious warning signs such as large cracks, sagging floors, or gaps between walls and windows, don’t wait. Foundation issues worsen over time, and professional intervention is often the most cost-effective long-term solution.

A trusted real estate expert or foundation specialist can connect you with the right contractors and help assess whether the issue impacts your property’s value.

Your foundation supports everything you love about your home—its comfort, safety, and beauty. Keeping it in top condition requires attention, consistency, and expert guidance.

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or maintain a home in Barton Creek or anywhere in Austin, The Drewett Group offers the local expertise and personalized care you need. Their team understands the unique soil, climate, and architectural styles that define the area—and they’re dedicated to helping homeowners protect their investments.

Contact The Drewett Group today to learn more about maintaining your property’s value and ensuring your home stands strong for years to come.