Lubbock Foundation Care Calendar

January

Coldest month

0 of 3 done

Walk around the house and look for new cracks in brick, siding and the slab.
Why it matters
Winter cold snaps and dry air can open small cracks.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Why it matters
Alarms only help if they work.
Check that outdoor taps are protected from freezing.
Why it matters
A split pipe can soak the soil next to the foundation.

February

Windy season

0 of 3 done

Mark the ends of any crack with a pencil and the date.
Why it matters
Marking lets you see whether a crack is growing.
When to call a pro: If it grows, book an <a href="/services/foundation-inspection">inspection</a>.
Check that doors and windows open and latch.
Why it matters
New sticking can be an early sign of movement.
Replace the HVAC air filter.
Why it matters
Clean filters keep your system working well.

March

Spring winds

0 of 3 done

Clean gutters and check downspouts empty several feet from the house.
Why it matters
Water dumped at the wall is a common cause of movement.
Check that soil slopes away from the foundation.
Why it matters
Low spots next to the house collect water.
When to call a pro: See <a href="/services/drainage-grading">drainage and grading</a>.
Look under sinks for slow leaks.
Why it matters
Leaks can soak soil under or beside the slab.

April

Storm season

0 of 3 done

After big storms, look for water pooling near the house.
Why it matters
Pooling water is a sign drainage needs work.
Check sprinkler heads near the foundation.
Why it matters
A broken head can soak one spot again and again.
Look at the brick for new stair-step cracks.
Why it matters
Stair-step cracks follow the mortar when walls move.
When to call a pro: See <a href="/guides/are-foundation-cracks-normal">foundation cracks</a>.

May

Hail season

0 of 3 done

After hail or wind, check gutters and downspouts for damage.
Why it matters
Damaged gutters can send water to the foundation.
Re-measure any marked cracks.
Why it matters
Compare with your earlier marks.
Trim shrubs back from the foundation.
Why it matters
It makes cracks and pooling easier to see.

June

Getting hot

0 of 3 done

As the heat builds, plan even watering along the foundation during dry spells.
Why it matters
Big swings between wet and dry soil can move a foundation.
When to call a pro: See <a href="/guides/foundation-care-in-dry-weather">foundation care in dry weather</a>.
Look for gaps opening between the soil and the foundation.
Why it matters
Gaps show the soil is drying and shrinking.
Check the water meter with every tap off.
Why it matters
A moving meter can mean a hidden leak.

July

Peak heat

0 of 3 done

Keep watering evenly — do not flood one spot.
Why it matters
Even moisture matters more than lots of water.
Watch doors and windows for new sticking.
Why it matters
Dry soil can let part of a house settle.
When to call a pro: See <a href="/guides/why-doors-stick-foundation">why doors stick</a>.
Check large trees close to the house.
Why it matters
Big trees draw a lot of water from the soil.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Re-check cracks you marked earlier in the year.
Why it matters
Late summer is often when soil is driest.
Check floors for new slopes or bounce.
Why it matters
A marble that rolls on its own is a clue.
Book any repairs before fall rains.
Why it matters
Repairs are easier to plan ahead.

September

Early fall

0 of 3 done

Clean gutters before fall.
Why it matters
Leaves block gutters and send water to the wall.
Test downspout extensions are still in place.
Why it matters
Extensions get knocked off by mowers.
Have a foundation inspection if you saw changes this summer.
Why it matters
An inspection tells you how urgent it is.

October

Fall

0 of 3 done

Walk the house again and note any new cracks.
Why it matters
A spring and fall walk-around catches changes early.
Check crawl space vents and look for damp, if you have pier and beam.
Why it matters
Damp crawl spaces can rot wood.
When to call a pro: See <a href="/services/pier-and-beam-repair">pier and beam</a>.
Have the heating system checked.
Why it matters
Before the first cold nights.

November

First freezes

0 of 3 done

Shut off and drain sprinklers before hard freezes.
Why it matters
Frozen lines can split and soak the soil.
Disconnect hoses and protect outdoor taps.
Why it matters
A burst tap soaks one spot by the foundation.
Re-check doors and windows.
Why it matters
Note any changes since spring.

December

Winter

0 of 3 done

Know where your main water shut-off is and test it.
Why it matters
You may need it fast if a pipe bursts.
Keep holiday lights and cords away from water.
Why it matters
Safety first.
Write down this year’s crack measurements.
Why it matters
A yearly record helps any specialist you hire.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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Lubbock Foundation Care Calendar

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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