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8 Easy Steps to Care for Your Concrete Foundation

Your concrete foundation is what your entire home rests on. It keeps everything solid, level, and protected from moisture and shifting soil. While concrete is known for its durability, even the best foundations can wear down over time, especially with Indiana’s unpredictable weather, heavy rains, and changing soil conditions.

For Indianapolis homeowners, staying proactive with foundation care is the best way to protect your investment and avoid expensive repairs later. If you’ve experienced cracked walls, uneven floors, water in the basement, or other signs of stress, it could mean your foundation needs attention. Fortunately, caring for your foundation doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 8 easy, effective steps you can take to keep your foundation in top shape—plus what to do if you need help from a trusted foundation repair company like EverDry Waterproofing of Greater Indiana.

1. Watch for Early Foundation Problems

Small issues often show up long before a major problem does. Things like sticky doors or windows, thin cracks in basement walls, or slight floor sloping might seem harmless, but they’re all common signs of foundation movement. These warning signs can point to underlying issues with structural integrity.

By keeping an eye out for changes, you can act early and avoid further damage. If you spot anything unusual, it’s smart to call for a foundation inspection. A professional will help you determine whether it’s just cosmetic or the start of something serious.

2. Clean Your Foundation Annually

It’s a simple step, but one many homeowners forget: clean the base of your home at least once per year. Dirt buildup and moisture around the foundation can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and deterioration over time.

Use a garden hose or gentle pressure washer to remove debris, and check for any small cracks or signs of erosion. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, especially around your crawl space or basement walls, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional evaluation.

3. Control the Moisture Around Your Home

Excess moisture is a leading cause of foundation issues. On the other hand, extremely dry conditions can also be problematic, especially with expansive soil that shrinks and swells depending on water levels. The key is to maintain a consistent level of moisture around your home’s perimeter.

During dry spells, lightly watering the soil can help prevent it from pulling away from the foundation. During wet seasons, make sure water is draining properly so it doesn’t accumulate near your home’s base and cause foundation problems or flooding.

4. Repair Cracks Promptly

If you notice cracks—whether on the interior of your basement or the exterior concrete—it’s important not to ignore them. Even hairline cracks can allow water to seep in and cause more serious issues over time.

Professional foundation repair contractors can assess the type and severity of cracking. Some cracks may need sealing, while others may signal deeper problems that require more robust foundation repair services.

5. Keep Gutters and Downspouts in Working Order

A healthy foundation starts at the roof. If your gutters and downspouts aren’t properly directing water away from your home, it can lead to pooling near the foundation. That water buildup can increase hydrostatic pressure, weaken your foundation, and lead to basement waterproofing problems.

Make sure gutters are cleaned regularly and downspouts extend at least five feet away from your home’s foundation. If water continues to pool, it might be time to look into grading or foundation drainage solutions.

6. Ensure Proper Ground Drainage

In areas like Indianapolis, Carmel, and Fishers, where we see a wide mix of rain and freeze-thaw cycles, proper ground drainage is essential. If your yard slopes toward your house, that runoff can cause structural damage over time.

Grading your yard to slope away from the home—or installing a drain tile system or sump pumps—can drastically reduce moisture problems. These are especially important if you already deal with a damp basement or crawl space flooding.

7. Be Mindful of Landscaping

Believe it or not, your landscaping can affect your foundation. Large trees planted too close to your home can shift the soil as roots grow or soak up too much moisture, leading to pressure on the foundation.

Keep trees and large shrubs at least 5–10 feet from the home. And when adding mulch or flower beds, make sure they don’t trap water directly against the concrete foundation.

8. Rely on a Foundation Repair Expert

DIY efforts can help maintain your foundation, but when real problems start to show, there’s no substitute for a trusted foundation repair expert. Whether it’s evaluating a stubborn crack, providing structural reinforcement for a shifting wall, or stopping water intrusion, professional help makes all the difference.

A qualified team, like the professionals at EverDry, can accurately identify the root cause of foundation damage and recommend smart, long-term foundation, basement, and crawl space repair solutions that protect your Indianapolis home.

EverDry: Central Indiana’s Trusted Foundation Repair Company

At EverDry Waterproofing of Greater Indiana, we specialize in both concrete foundation repair and concrete foundation waterproofing. Since 1978, our Indiana foundation service company has completed thousands of successful projects, helping homeowners all over the state protect their homes from foundation damage and water intrusion.

We’re a locally owned and operated company backed by a national brand, serving homeowners in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Greenwood, Avon, and dozens of other nearby communities. Whether you’re dealing with uneven floors, persistent moisture, or just want a second opinion, we’ll take the time to explain your options, walk through every step, and recommend the right solution.

Our team is known for being on time, responsive, and respectful, and we also offer financing to make it easier to move forward with the foundation services that you need.

Request Your Free Foundation Inspection Today

Your foundation keeps everything above it safe, so don’t wait for small issues to become even bigger ones. Whether you’re dealing with cracked walls or other visible signs of stress, let EverDry Waterproofing of Greater Indiana help you protect your Indianapolis area home from future problems.

Request your free inspection today to get started! EverDry is the trusted name for Indiana crawl space, foundation, and basement repair. With decades of industry experience, expert service, and a team that genuinely cares, we’re the company you can count on for long-term support and peace of mind.

EverDry Solutions

Everdry of Greater Indiana offers multiple solutions so you can be
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Exterior

Exterior

Put an end to dampness, cracks, bowing walls, mildew and musty smells with the Everdry Solution.

Interior

Interior

Put an end to dampness, cracks, bowing walls, mildew and musty smells with the Everdry Solution.

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Multistep

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