Clean gutters are homeowners’ first line of defense against water damage, according to one local building foundation expert.
Blaze Welham of the Thornton-based Crack Team, a concrete-repair company, says simple maintenance can prevent problematic cracks and leaks in foundations. The Denver Post spoke with Welham to find out more.
What are homeowners’ most common foundation-maintenance missteps?
People don’t address problem(s) soon enough. Some say if the crack isn’t leaking, then it’s not a problem. But if there is a crack, even a small one, then you’ve got some condensation. Moisture has built up between the foundation and the dirt in the yard outside the home. When that moisture expands and contracts, it pushes against the wall, causing cracks.
What should homeowners do to protect their foundations?
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and are forcing water away from the house and into the yard. When there is a big storm and you see the gutters overflowing and not processing water into the downspouts, then you’ve got buildup that needs to be cleaned out.
When you change your batteries in your fire alarms in the spring and the fall, that is also a good time to check to see if any cracks have developed. If you find some, then someone needs to come and plug in those holes.
What other concrete-repair issues are prevalent in Colorado?
In this market, we tend to do a lot of cosmetic “flat work,” including making repairs to sidewalks and driveways, or putting down stamped concrete or decorative overlays. We can also match the color of your concrete to your house.
The overlays have become more of our year-round business. What we usually do is remove all the oil and stains from the existing concrete, we etch it and bring it back to its original condition. Then we put on the overlay sealer to protect against future stains.
Costs usually run between $1,500 and $3,500, but the overlay is much more durable and easier to clean than concrete.
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
