A strong foundation does more than hold up your home—it holds up your investment. In Los Altos, where real estate values are among the highest in the country, even minor structural issues can have a major impact on home value. That’s why proactive foundation maintenance is a smart, long-term strategy for protecting both your property and your peace of mind.
Why Foundation Maintenance Is a Must in Los Altos
Los Altos homes often sit on expansive clay soils that shrink in dry conditions and swell when wet—a combination that puts pressure on your home’s foundation year-round. Add in hillside lots, older construction, and the occasional seismic tremor, and it’s clear why regular upkeep matters.
Unlike roof leaks or worn-out paint, foundation issues don’t always show themselves until they’ve progressed. But that doesn’t mean they’re hard to prevent. With a bit of awareness and consistent care, you can stay ahead of problems and protect the value and safety of your property.
Unlike roof leaks or worn-out paint, foundation issues don’t always show themselves until they’ve progressed. But that doesn’t mean they’re hard to prevent. With a bit of awareness and consistent care, you can stay ahead of problems and protect the value and safety of your property.
Manage Water Before It Becomes a Problem
In California, water is both a precious resource and, when mismanaged, a potential hazard to your home. Rainy winters can saturate the soil and cause it to expand, while long dry spells can lead to shrinkage and settling. The goal is to strike the right balance by directing water away from the foundation and maintaining consistent moisture levels in the surrounding soil.
Here’s what every Los Altos homeowner should be doing:
Here’s what every Los Altos homeowner should be doing:
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Clear gutters regularly and direct downspouts away from the house. Water pouring near the foundation is a leading cause of erosion and basement leaks.
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Grade your yard so water naturally flows away from your home. You don’t need major landscaping—just a slight slope is enough.
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Consider French drains or a dry well if water tends to pool. These low-maintenance systems can make a big difference during heavy storms.
Incorporating water management into your foundation maintenance routine is one of the most effective ways to keep your home’s structure secure.
Look for the Little Signs Before They Grow
You don’t need to be an expert to spot early warning signs of foundation trouble. The key is to know what to look for and check regularly.
Keep an eye out for these common clues:
Keep an eye out for these common clues:
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Cracks in walls (especially near doors and windows), or stair-step cracks in brick or stucco
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Doors or windows that suddenly stick or no longer align
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Uneven or sloping floors
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Gaps where walls meet ceilings or baseboards
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Signs of moisture in crawl spaces or basements
Catching these signs early doesn’t necessarily mean expensive repairs are coming—it means you’re being proactive. A quick evaluation by a foundation specialist can confirm whether it’s normal settling or something that needs attention.
Maintain Moisture Year-Round—Even in a Drought
It might sound counterintuitive, but foundation maintenance during California’s dry spells is just as important as during rainy months. When clay soil dries out, it contracts and creates air pockets beneath the foundation. That loss of support can cause your home to shift or settle unevenly.
To keep soil conditions stable around your foundation:
To keep soil conditions stable around your foundation:
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Water the perimeter of your home evenly during long dry periods. A light, consistent soak every few days is better than occasional deep watering.
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Use mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture. Mulch also helps minimize erosion near garden beds or sloped areas.
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Avoid planting thirsty vegetation near the house. Large plants can pull moisture from the soil unevenly, creating shifts under your foundation.
In Los Altos, where water-wise landscaping is the norm, simple changes like adjusting your irrigation settings or rethinking plant placement can go a long way in supporting your home’s structure.
Landscaping Can Help—or Hurt—Your Foundation
That shady tree or dense row of hedges may add curb appeal, but it could also be impacting your foundation if it’s too close to the home. Root systems can interfere with underground support, and heavy vegetation can trap moisture right where you don’t want it.
Use these landscaping best practices for foundation health:
Use these landscaping best practices for foundation health:
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Plant large trees at least 15–20 feet away from your home. When in doubt, check how wide the root spread is expected to grow.
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Trim overgrown bushes near your siding or foundation. This allows for air circulation and reduces moisture buildup.
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Choose native or low-water plants. Not only do they conserve water, but they also reduce the risk of unpredictable soil moisture levels.
Thoughtful landscaping is more than just aesthetics—it’s a key part of long-term foundation maintenance.
Don’t Overlook Crawl Spaces and Basements
While many Los Altos homes have crawl spaces rather than basements, both areas play a role in protecting your foundation. A damp, neglected crawl space can invite mold, pests, and even structural rot.
Simple habits to keep these spaces healthy include:
Simple habits to keep these spaces healthy include:
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Inspect your crawl space at least once a year. Look for standing water, mildew odors, or signs of rodents.
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Install or maintain a vapor barrier. This plastic sheet over the ground helps prevent moisture from rising into the subfloor.
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Check vents and ensure proper airflow. Good ventilation keeps humidity in check, which protects both your foundation and your indoor air quality.
Taking care of what’s beneath your home is just as important as what’s visible above it.
Schedule Professional Inspections—Even Without Issues
Not every foundation concern shows up in plain sight. That’s why it’s wise to have a licensed structural engineer or foundation contractor evaluate your home every few years—or sooner if you’re planning major renovations.
In Los Altos, where soil conditions and seismic activity add extra complexity, a professional opinion provides peace of mind and can uncover small issues before they become major ones.
In Los Altos, where soil conditions and seismic activity add extra complexity, a professional opinion provides peace of mind and can uncover small issues before they become major ones.
Make Foundation Maintenance Part of Smart Homeownership
Foundation maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. It’s really about developing a few consistent habits—managing moisture, watching for warning signs, and keeping landscaping in check. The payoff is a home that’s more stable, more comfortable, and more valuable.
In a place like Los Altos, where your home is likely one of your largest assets, taking care of its foundation is one of the best ways to protect that investment.
In a place like Los Altos, where your home is likely one of your largest assets, taking care of its foundation is one of the best ways to protect that investment.
Ready to Protect the Value of Your Los Altos Home?
Whether you’re planning upgrades, preparing to sell, or simply want expert insight into your property’s condition, foundation maintenance should always be part of the conversation. The Campi Group understands the nuances of Los Altos real estate—from the soil under your home to the trends driving today’s market.
Reach out to The Campi Group for personalized guidance on maintaining and maximizing the value of your home. Their local knowledge and trusted network of professionals make it easy to keep your property in peak condition—for today and for the future.
Reach out to The Campi Group for personalized guidance on maintaining and maximizing the value of your home. Their local knowledge and trusted network of professionals make it easy to keep your property in peak condition—for today and for the future.
