Because most crawl space problems are caused by excess moisture, the best way to prevent trouble is to get groundwater around the foundation under control. Here are some ways to do that:
Re-grade the yard around your home – Re-grading the yard ensures groundwater will drain away from the house and not toward the foundation.
Clean gutters regularly – Gutters are designed to collect rainwater and direct it away from your home’s foundation. However, if gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, they won’t be able to do their job correctly. This can result in water accumulating around your foundation, leading to foundation issues.
Use downspout extensions – These extensions attach to your downspouts, taking water several feet away from the foundation before release. The typical length for a downspout extension is around six feet, though some are even longer.
Keep trees away from the foundation – Trees can be a beautiful addition to your yard. However, they can cause significant foundation damage. The roots of trees can penetrate the foundation, causing it to become unsteady. Trees too close to your home should be removed or transferred to another location to prevent damage.
Install a drain tile system – Installing a drain tile system is an excellent solution for preventing foundation problems. A drain tile system consists of a perforated drainage pipe installed around the perimeter of the foundation at the footing level. The drainage pipe is connected to a sump pump that pumps water out and away from your home. The drain tile system is very effective in preventing the accumulation of water around your home’s foundation.