Returning to your winter home in Show Low, AZ
Returning to your winter home in Show Low, AZ, after a long time away? Show Low’s diverse climate, with its mix of snow, rain, and temperature fluctuations, can have a significant impact on your home’s foundation. When you leave a property unoccupied for months, it’s important to be aware of potential foundation issues that may have developed in your absence. Taking proactive steps to assess and maintain the health of your foundation can help ensure the longevity and safety of your home.
Here’s a detailed guide on what you should do when returning to your winter home to ensure that your foundation remains strong and stable.
1. Inspect the Foundation Externally
Your first step should be a thorough external inspection of the foundation. This involves walking around your home and carefully examining the perimeter for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, bulging, or gaps. The harsh winters in Show Low can cause the soil around your foundation to expand and contract, leading to potential damage over time.
Here are a few key areas to check:
- Foundation Walls: Look for any horizontal or vertical cracks. Minor hairline cracks may not be a cause for immediate concern, but if you notice larger cracks, particularly those wider than 1/4 inch, this could indicate significant structural issues that need to be addressed.
- Corners of Your Home: Corners are particularly vulnerable to foundation movement. Shifting soil or settling can cause cracking or separation at the corners. If you notice gaps or cracks, it’s important to monitor them for signs of further movement.
- Exterior Walls: In Show Low, where the weather can shift between freezing temperatures and warm sunny days, soils around your home can be comprised resulting exterior cracking. Pay particular attention to any cracks near the stem wall (the portion of the foundation that rises above the ground). Stem wall cracks can signal problems with foundation settling. Larger cracks may indicate serious structural issues that require immediate attention.
Any visible damage to your foundation should be addressed by a professional to prevent further deterioration and potential costly repairs down the road.
2. Check Inside for Movement
After completing the exterior inspection, move indoors to look for signs that your foundation may have shifted or settled while you were away. Often, foundation issues manifest inside the home before they become obvious outside. Here are some common signs to look for:
- Cracks in Walls and Ceilings: Look for horizontal or vertical cracks, especially around windows, doors, and along ceiling lines. These cracks may indicate that your foundation has shifted or settled. Cracks that appear suddenly or that seem to grow over time should be a red flag.
- Misaligned Doors and Windows: If doors or windows that previously opened and closed smoothly now seem stuck or difficult to move, this could be a sign of foundation movement. Misaligned frames or gaps between the door/window and the surrounding wall are also indicators of shifting.
- Uneven or Sloping Floors: Another sign of foundation movement is uneven or sloping floors. If you notice that the floor feels bouncy or uneven as you walk across it, or if there are visible dips or slopes, it may be due to foundation settling or damage.
By catching these warning signs early, you can prevent more severe damage from developing as the winter progresses.
3. Evaluate Drainage and Landscape
Water is one of the most significant factors affecting the stability of your home’s foundation. In Show Low, snowmelt and rain can cause water to accumulate around the base of your home. If this water is not properly directed away from the foundation, it can lead to soil erosion, water pooling, and ultimately, foundation movement or damage.
Here’s what to check:
- Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that your gutters are clear of debris and functioning properly. Downspouts should extend at least 5 feet away from the foundation to ensure that water is directed away from the home. Clogged gutters or downspouts can lead to water pooling near the foundation, increasing the risk of damage.
- Landscape Slope: The soil around your home should be slightly sloped away from the foundation. If the soil has settled or eroded, it could create a path for water to flow toward your foundation instead of away from it. Refill any low spots and ensure the landscape is graded properly to protect your foundation from water damage.
- Irrigation Systems: If your home has an irrigation system, make sure it is not oversaturating the soil near the foundation. Excess water from irrigation can contribute to soil expansion and contraction, which may lead to foundation settling or cracking.
4. Consider a Professional Inspection
While a visual inspection can help you identify potential issues, it’s always a good idea to have a professional foundation repair expert in Show Low evaluate your home’s foundation if you suspect any foundation issues. A professional foundation specialist can perform a more in-depth inspection, identifying hidden problems that may not be immediately visible during a casual check.
A professional can provide you with a comprehensive report on the condition of your foundation and recommend any necessary repairs to prevent further damage. This is particularly important if your home has experienced significant shifts in weather, such as heavy snowfall followed by rapid snowmelt or freezing temperatures, which can contribute to foundation issues.
Winter Foundation Maintenance Tips for Homeowners in Show Low’s Unique Climate
Maintaining the health of your home’s foundation is crucial, especially in Show Low’s challenging climate. By conducting a thorough external and internal inspection, evaluating your drainage and landscaping, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can prevent foundation problems from worsening over the winter. With these steps, you’ll ensure your winter home in Show Low remains safe, stable, and ready for the season ahead.