Many Texans water their foundations to prevent the soil underneath from drying out and causing their homes’ foundations to move. However, not everyone thinks it’s a helpful practice. Some people go so far as to believe that watering a foundation is a “myth,” or that it doesn’t help.
We’re here to clarify that the so-called “watering foundation myth” is an efficient method to help prevent foundation damage due to soil movement. In short, it works.
Maintaining your home’s foundation is a fundamental part of homeownership, and foundation watering is a critical aspect of that care. In this blog, we’ll explore the “watering foundation myth,” why foundation maintenance is crucial and why watering a foundation is a practical way to protect your home.
How Foundation Watering Works
To understand why foundation watering isn’t a myth, it helps to understand the effect of soil contraction and expansion.
The soil beneath your home reacts to moisture levels. When the soil loses moisture, it contracts. When it absorbs water, it expands.
When soil dries out and contracts, it can create gaps around your foundation. These gaps are problematic as they can lead to settling or sinking. Conversely, when soil becomes overly saturated and expands, it can exert considerable pressure against your foundation walls, potentially causing cracks and structural damage.
Foundation watering serves as a preventative measure against these issues. By keeping the soil moisture levels balanced, you significantly reduce the risk of soil-related foundation problems.
This proactive approach helps maintain a stable soil environment, ensuring that the ground beneath your home doesn’t experience extreme fluctuations between wet and dry and thus helping to preserve the structural integrity of your home.
There are a few ways to approach watering a foundation. Soaker hoses are a common choice among homeowners. These hoses distribute water directly to the soil, ensuring even saturation around your foundation. Drip systems are another popular option, as they provide a controlled and efficient way to water your foundation.
By understanding the importance of foundation watering and the various methods available, you can take proactive steps to ensure the stability of your home. The “watering foundation myth” is not a myth at all but a fundamental practice in home maintenance.
Debunking Other Common Watering Foundation Myths
Some homeowners may have misconceptions about foundation watering that have them wondering, “Should I water my foundation or not?” Below, we debunk these misconceptions with facts.
Myth 1: Foundation Watering is Unnecessary.
Some may believe that foundations can withstand fluctuations in soil moisture without help. However, expert opinions and the experience of foundation repair contractors say otherwise. Soil stability is crucial for your foundation’s health, and consistent moisture levels are essential for maintaining it.
Myth 2: Rainwater Is Enough
While rainwater contributes to soil moisture, it’s not always enough, particularly in regions with irregular rainfall patterns like many parts of Texas. Typically, achieving a consistent level of moisture requires supplemental watering.
Myth 3: Overwatering is Better.
More water isn’t necessarily better. In fact, overwatering can lead to soil expansion that puts pressure on your foundation, causing damage. It’s essential to maintain the right balance.
It’s important to monitor the soil moisture levels to ensure you’re not overwatering or underwatering your foundation. You can do this by sticking a screwdriver into the ground at various locations around your foundation.
If it’s challenging to push the screwdriver into the ground beyond a couple of inches, the soil is too dry, and you’ll need to water more. Meanwhile, if the screwdriver goes in effortlessly and comes out covered in mud, you might be watering too much. If it comes out without a lot of mud on it, then you’re likely watering just the right amount and frequency.
Myth 4: Seasonal Watering is Adequate.
Foundation watering should be a year-round practice and not just during the dry months. Inconsistent watering can lead to soil contraction and expansion, causing problems over time.
Experts in the field, including foundation specialists, understand the significance of maintaining consistent moisture levels. One of the things they stress is the importance of consistency.
It’s not enough to water your foundation when you remember to do so or when the weather is particularly hot or dry. It’s essential to create a watering routine that ensures the moisture balance in the soil around your home remains stable all year long.
Myth 5: Foundation Watering Alone Helps Prevent Foundation Damage
Unfortunately, watering your foundation, while helpful, isn’t a guarantee against foundation damage. This is because there are other causes of foundation failure, such as faulty construction, tree roots, plumbing leaks, poor drainage and standing water.
If your foundation shows signs of damage, such as cracks, uneven floors and doors or windows that won’t open or shut all the way, it’s essential to contact a foundation repair expert for evaluation. A trusted foundation contractor can determine whether the damage to your foundation is caused by soil conditions or something else, as well as recommend the proper repairs.
Tips for Creating a Foundation Watering Routine
It’s essential to have your foundation professionally inspected before you start watering your foundation. Experts can assess the current condition of your foundation and determine whether any preventive measures, like watering, are required.
They can also determine whether repairs are needed or if additional interventions, like installing a French drain, would be beneficial. Having your foundation inspected provides a clear roadmap for your foundation maintenance and watering regimen.
Tailor Your Watering Schedule to the Season
In North Texas, we experience diverse weather patterns throughout the year. While some regions might have distinct wet and dry seasons, North Texas tends to have unpredictable weather. Often, it’s bright and sunny weather one day and a torrential downpour the next. Texas also sees extended periods of drought.
Generally, however, spring and early fall see heavy rainfall, while summer is dry and hot. The weather extremes and unpredictability of the area’s climate underscore the importance of a customized approach to year-round foundation watering.
- Summer: In the scorching heat, it’s advisable to water early in the morning or late afternoon, around dusk. This timing minimizes water evaporation and maximizes absorption, guaranteeing your foundation’s support during the arid summer months.
- Winter: During colder months, opt for watering when the sun is high in the sky. Timing your foundation watering to when it’s warmest allows the soil to soak in moisture before the temperature drops in the evening. Doing so helps reduce the risk of water freezing in the ground and causing instability around your foundation.
- Spring and Early Fall: These seasons often bring an uptick in rainfall. During spring and early fall, it’s vital to reduce the frequency of foundation watering. Excessive moisture can oversaturate the soil and potentially lead to complications. Concentrate on maintaining soil moisture, not increasing it, to preserve the foundation’s stability.
Consider the Soil Type
The type of soil around your home can significantly impact its moisture requirements. In North Texas, the most common soil types include clay and loam. Clay soil tends to retain moisture longer, making it more susceptible to expansion during wet periods and contraction during dry spells. Loam, on the other hand, provides better drainage but still requires careful moisture management.
To ensure that your foundation’s soil remains within the optimal moisture range, it’s crucial to adapt your watering routine as needed.
Clay Soil: As mentioned, this type retains moisture well. This means you don’t have to water as often as you would other types of soil. However, it is crucial to ensure the water reaches deeply into the soil to keep it from shrinking.
During the summer months, you should water clay soil around your foundation for 30 minutes to an hour every two to three days. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, you should water more frequently.
However, it is crucial to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust the watering frequency as needed. If the soil is still moist after two to three days, you can wait longer to water it. Remember that overwatering can cause soil to become saturated, leading to foundation damage and erosion.
Loam Soil: For loam soil, consistency is critical. Loam is already a well-balanced soil, so the goal of watering your foundation is to maintain consistent moisture levels. Watering every four to five days can be an effective approach for loam soil.
By considering the season, soil type and local climate, you can establish a well-rounded foundation watering routine that suits your specific needs and helps protect your home from potential foundation issues.
Have Your Foundation Inspected by the Experts
As we established in this article, foundation watering isn’t a myth at all but an easy way to help prevent foundation damage caused by soil movement. However, it’s essential to have your foundation evaluated by a professional before installing a soaker hose or drip system. This is because the frequency and amount of watering needed will vary depending on the condition of your foundation, the type of soil you have and the climate you live in.
HD Foundations is a recognized expert in foundation repair in North Texas. We will be happy to assess your foundation at no cost and provide recommendations on watering and maintenance. Additionally, we will inform you if your foundation is already damaged and needs immediate repair. Our no-obligation foundation inspections take about 45 minutes to complete.
To learn more about our services or request a free estimate and evaluation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.