Your home’s foundation is literally what everything else is built on, yet it's often overlooked until issues arise. Cracks in walls, uneven floors, sticking doors, or water in the basement can all be signs of foundation trouble. Whether you live in a century-old colonial in Cresskill or a newer construction in Alpine, understanding how to maintain your foundation is critical to protecting your home’s longevity and value.
In Bergen County, where seasonal weather changes, soil conditions, and older housing stock all play a role, homeowners should make foundation care a part of their regular home maintenance routine.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of maintaining your home's foundation—what to look for, what to avoid, and how to prevent costly repairs down the line.
Understand What Type of Foundation You Have
Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s helpful to know what kind of foundation your home is built on.
In Bergen County, most homes have one of the following:
In Bergen County, most homes have one of the following:
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Basement foundations – Common in older homes, offering storage or living space below ground.
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Crawl space foundations – Found in some mid-century or newer homes, elevating the house and offering easier access to plumbing and wiring.
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Slab-on-grade foundations – More common in newer or smaller homes, built directly on a concrete slab.
Each foundation type has its own vulnerabilities. For example, basements are prone to water intrusion, while crawl spaces need good ventilation to prevent mold.
Tip 1: Keep Moisture Levels Consistent Around Your Home
Soil expansion and contraction due to moisture changes is a leading cause of foundation problems. In northern New Jersey, heavy rains, snow melt, and dry summers can cause shifting soil.
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Avoid overwatering landscaping near the foundation.
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Ensure downspouts and gutters are directing water at least 4 to 6 feet away from the home.
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Install a rain barrel or underground drainage if your property collects water near the foundation.
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During droughts, water the soil around the home lightly to prevent extreme contraction.
Too much water causes soil to expand and put pressure on the foundation walls, while too little leads to settling and cracks.
Tip 2: Maintain Proper Grading
The slope of your yard plays a big role in directing water away from your foundation. If your yard slopes toward the house, water runoff during storms may seep into your basement or weaken the structure.
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Check the slope around your house once or twice a year.
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Aim for a slope of at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet away from the home.
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Add soil or regrade areas that are too flat or tilted toward the foundation.
This is particularly important in towns like Tenafly or Englewood, where hilly landscapes are common and can accelerate water flow.
Tip 3: Inspect for Cracks Regularly
Not all foundation cracks are cause for alarm, but ignoring them is a mistake. Small hairline cracks are common due to normal settling, but large cracks or those that expand over time may signal structural issues.
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Walk the perimeter of your house at least twice a year.
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Check interior walls, especially in the basement, for diagonal or horizontal cracks.
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Measure any visible cracks and photograph them so you can monitor changes.
If cracks are wider than ¼ inch, growing rapidly, or accompanied by other signs like bowing walls or sloping floors, call a structural engineer or foundation specialist for a professional evaluation.
Tip 4: Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters are your first line of defense against foundation water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves or debris, water spills over the edge and pools around your home.
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Clean gutters at least twice a year—in spring and fall.
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Extend downspouts with splash blocks or extenders to carry water away.
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Inspect your system after heavy rains to make sure water is flowing properly.
Many Bergen County homes are surrounded by tall trees, which means more leaf debris and more frequent cleaning. Investing in gutter guards can also help.
Tip 5: Keep Trees and Shrubs in Check
While landscaping enhances curb appeal, it can also damage your foundation if not properly managed. Tree roots are especially notorious for invading foundations, especially in older neighborhoods with mature landscaping.
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Plant large trees at least 20 feet away from the home.
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Choose smaller shrubs or plants for beds close to the foundation.
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Trim back roots or remove invasive plants if necessary.
Be mindful of trees like willows, maples, and oaks, which are known to have aggressive root systems.
Tip 6: Watch for Interior Warning Signs
Foundation problems often show themselves inside the home long before they’re visible outside.
Keep an eye out for subtle changes like:
Keep an eye out for subtle changes like:
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Doors or windows that stick or won’t close properly
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Gaps between crown molding and the ceiling
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Uneven floors or cracked tiles
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Nail pops or drywall cracks near corners
These symptoms don’t always mean a foundation issue is present, but they’re worth investigating—especially if you notice multiple red flags at once.
Tip 7: Don’t Ignore Basement Humidity or Leaks
In towns across Bergen County, basement leaks are a common complaint due to the clay-rich soil and aging drainage systems. Moisture is the enemy of a healthy foundation, especially over time.
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Use a dehumidifier in the basement to keep humidity below 60 percent.
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Seal cracks or gaps with hydraulic cement or epoxy filler.
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If leaks persist, consider installing a sump pump or French drain.
Preventing moisture today saves you from expensive waterproofing projects later.
Tip 8: Schedule a Professional Inspection Every Few Years
Even if everything seems fine, a foundation inspection from a qualified professional can offer peace of mind and catch small issues before they become big problems.
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Foundation specialists can assess soil conditions, water flow, and structural health.
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Inspections are especially important before listing your home or if you plan to renovate.
For Bergen County homeowners thinking of selling, a clean bill of health for your foundation can help boost buyer confidence and reduce inspection-related surprises.
Invest in Your Home’s Longevity
Maintaining your home’s foundation isn’t glamorous—but it’s one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner. By taking a proactive approach, you protect not only the structure of your home but also its value.
In Bergen County, where seasonal shifts and natural landscape features present unique challenges, being vigilant about drainage, landscaping, and inspections can keep your foundation strong for decades.
In Bergen County, where seasonal shifts and natural landscape features present unique challenges, being vigilant about drainage, landscaping, and inspections can keep your foundation strong for decades.
Let The Kolsky Team Be Your Trusted Real Estate Resource
Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or searching for a property that’s structurally sound and investment-worthy, The Kolsky Team is here to help. We understand the intricacies of Bergen County homes—especially the details that impact long-term value, like foundation integrity.
Our local expertise helps clients make confident decisions, whether buying, selling, or maintaining a home.
Ready to make your next move in Bergen County real estate? Reach out to The Kolsky Team today to get expert guidance, trusted recommendations, and personalized service you can count on.
Our local expertise helps clients make confident decisions, whether buying, selling, or maintaining a home.
Ready to make your next move in Bergen County real estate? Reach out to The Kolsky Team today to get expert guidance, trusted recommendations, and personalized service you can count on.
