Standing water may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause a good deal of damage when left alone near your foundation. Rainwater that collects and pools up near the foundation of your home can enter into the concrete, filling up the pores that it finds inside. Over time, this is enough to break down the concrete and will cause the foundation to crack.
Standing water in the winter is going to be even worse. The water will still seep into the cracks and pores of the concrete foundation. But when it freezes, that same water will push the concrete out, rather than break it down. The ice will cause swelling in the foundation, pushing everything up in the home and causing seams in the ceiling and walls.
There are different methods you can use to remove the standing water from near your foundation. These include:
- Change the landscaping to slope away from the home, making it harder for water to sit.
- Use gutters that direct the water away from the home.
- Consider a retaining wall to move water and soil to the street or the backyard.
The goal is to keep water from sitting near the foundation of your home. Any slope can help, as can any change to your landscaping that will move the rain or other water far from the home. A professional will be able to help you see where problem areas for standing water can form and will help you create a solution to keep your foundation safe.