Foundation maintenance and expansive clay soil (HOA, how much, homes)

[daluu]

New to SA, being homeowner, and expansive clay soil.

Does one have to be very diligent in checking up on and maintaining a home's foundation in SA? Watering during dry periods and making sure to avoid yard/home doesn't get too wet during rainy periods. Are gutters really necessary to help with this. I notice that some newly constructed homes have gutters and some don't so not every homeowner opts for them.

I would hope not, as I probably won't be (or be able to be) that diligent.

[firstclassflyer]

Originally Posted by daluu

New to SA, being homeowner, and expansive clay soil.

Does one have to be very diligent in checking up on and maintaining a home's foundation in SA? Watering during dry periods and making sure to avoid yard/home doesn't get too wet during rainy periods. Are gutters really necessary to help with this. I notice that some newly constructed homes have gutters and some don't so not every homeowner opts for them.

I would hope not, as I probably won't be (or be able to be) that diligent.

Well, you should be.

[wCat]

Gutters eventually would be a good idea when we are in a rainy season. They will save you the cost of repainting trim and ruining your landscaping.

Right now, soaker hoses are your foundations best friend. Not every area in SA has the caliche clay type soil. Talk to some of your neighbors and your HOA if you have one. Someone in your area should tell you what works best for your neighborhood.

Welcome to SA!

[daluu]

Thanks. Was afraid of that. So many things to look out for as a homeowner...

Why aren't gutters mandatory? (I'm naive and could use some enlightenment)

[Bo]

Originally Posted by daluu

Why aren't gutters mandatory? (I'm naive and could use some enlightenment)

Not having gutters can actually help keep the soil moist around your entire foundation. The key is to make sure the rainwater is distributed evenly around the entire structure.

The answer to how much attention you need to pay to it depends on how much expansive soil your foundation sits on. In some neighborhoods, the limestone layer is fairly close to the surface, so there isn't much expansive fill between the foundation and the limestone.