Seasonal Maintenance Schedule to Protect Your Foundation

Indiana weather punishes homes that don't get a little attention. Rain, freeze-thaw, summer storms, dry spells — each one puts a different kind of stress on the foundation. A basic seasonal routine keeps little things from becoming big things.

Spring (March - May)

• Walk the perimeter. Check for new cracks after winter freeze-thaw.
• Clean gutters thoroughly before spring rains start.
• Test your sump pump: pour a bucket of water into the pit and confirm it discharges.
• Check the sump discharge line outside — make sure it hasn't frozen, cracked, or been redirected.
• Inspect basement walls for efflorescence or moisture rings after the first heavy rain.
• Re-grade any spots where soil settled over winter.

Summer (June - August)

• Run a dehumidifier in the basement or encapsulated crawl. Target 55% RH or lower.
• Watch drainage during any thunderstorm. Note where water pools.
• Check window wells for debris before storm season.
• Look at exterior sealants around window and door frames — heat cracks them.

Fall (September - November)

• Second gutter cleaning after leaf drop.
• Disconnect, drain, and store any hoses before freeze.
• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl or garage walls.
• Inspect and reseal any exterior concrete cracks before winter water gets in.
• Close crawl space vents if you have traditional vented construction; leave them open if encapsulated and conditioned.

Winter (December - February)

• After every significant snowfall, shovel snow 3+ feet away from the foundation.
• During extreme cold, let taps near exterior walls drip to prevent freeze burst.
• Inside, watch for sudden new drywall cracks — freeze-thaw accelerates foundation movement.
• After the first thaw, walk the interior perimeter for water spots and new cracks.

Printable one-page summary

• Spring: gutters, grading, sump, walls, window wells.
• Summer: dehumidifier, drainage watch.
• Fall: gutters again, hoses, insulate, exterior sealants.
• Winter: shovel away, watch for cracks, post-thaw inspection.

Annual check-up from Cornerstone

A 30-minute yearly evaluation — free, no obligation — catches small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. Call (812) 850-5320 to put your house on the calendar.