Your driveway can significantly affect your home’s foundation in unimaginable ways. Your foundation may experience more pressure if your driveway slopes toward your home, leading to cracks and other problems. According to This Old House, the slope of hard surfaces, such as driveways, should be at least ¼ inch per foot. A steeper slope may cause water to pool around your foundation and potentially weaken it. Here are some ways your driveway can influence the foundation of your home.
Pressure on Your Foundation
If not built properly, your driveway can extra pressure your foundation. Your driveway may not withstand the weight of heavy vehicles and may droop. This may place strain on your home’s foundation and, as a result, lead to cracks. If you notice this, you may need to contact foundation repair services immediately to prevent further damage.
Lack of Proper Drainage
The stability of your home’s foundation depends on proper drainage. Water can accumulate in your driveway if the drainage is poor. This water can then seep into the ground and cause soil to swell or move. This movement can cause your home’s foundation to shift if your driveway is not strong enough.
Not Conducting Repair and Maintenance
The extra weight and weather may cause your driveway to develop cracks. Water may flow through the cracks towards your home and build up when it rains. This accumulation can weaken your home foundation and make it lean from pressure. For this reason, it is often wise to have your driveway checked regularly by foundation repair services for maintenance and repair.
Tree Roots
You may fancy having trees growing along your driveway for a better aesthetic appeal. However, it would be best if you do not grow them too close to your home. Tree roots can grow long enough and find their way into your home foundation. Cracks may develop, making your foundation weak. If you have trees growing close to your home, get hold of foundation repair services to inspect your foundation for any damages.
It is important to ensure that your driveway does not negatively affect your home’s foundation. If you are looking for advice on how to handle your foundation problems, you can contact us today.
