Tag Archives: Protection

Tree Root Damage to Foundation: Prevention and Protection Strategies

January 26, 2026   Michelle

Introduction

For many homeowners, mature trees provide shade, beauty, and increased property value. However, the same trees that enhance our landscapes can pose a significant threat to our home’s foundation when their roots grow unchecked. Tree root damage to foundations is a common and costly issue, often resulting in cracked walls, uneven floors, and compromised structural integrity. Understanding how to prevent this damage is essential for maintaining both your landscape and your home’s safety.

How Tree Roots Can Damage Foundations

Tree roots seek moisture and nutrients, and they can exert tremendous pressure as they grow. The primary mechanisms of damage include:

  • 1. Direct Pressure::

    • Large, growing roots can press against foundation walls, causing them to crack, bow, or shift.

  • 2. Soil Moisture Fluctuation::

    • Roots absorb large volumes of water from the soil, especially during dry periods. This can cause the soil to shrink and settle unevenly beneath the foundation, leading to sinking or cracking—a process known as subsidence.

  • 3. Invasion of Cracks::

    • Small, seeking roots can infiltrate existing cracks or gaps in foundations, expanding them over time.

    Proactive Prevention Strategies

    The most effective approach to foundation protection is proactive planning and smart landscaping.

    1. Strategic Tree Selection and Placement
    * Know Your Trees: Research the mature size and root spread of any tree before planting. Species like willows, poplars, American elms, and silver maples are known for aggressive, water-seeking root systems and should be planted far from structures.
    * Follow the Distance Rule: A general guideline is to plant trees at a distance from your home equal to or greater than their anticipated mature height. For larger species, this often means 20 feet or more.
    * Choose Foundation-Friendly Species: Opt for trees with less invasive root systems, such as Japanese maple, dogwood, crabapple, or certain ornamental fruit trees.

    2. Install Root Barriers
    Root barriers are physical barriers made of plastic or metal installed vertically in the soil between a tree and your foundation.
    * How They Work: They deflect roots downward, away from the foundation, while still allowing the tree to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers.
    * Best Practice: Installation is most effective when the tree is young. For existing trees, professional installation is recommended to minimize root damage during the process.

    3. Implement Proper Watering and Drainage
    * Maintain Consistent Soil Moisture: Avoid drastic wet/dry cycles around your foundation. During extended dry periods, consider using a soaker hose at the drip line (the ground area under the outer circumference of the tree branches) to encourage roots to seek water away from the house.
    * Direct Water Away: Ensure your gutter downspouts extend at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation to prevent creating a concentrated moisture source that attracts roots.

    4. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
    * Monitor for Warning Signs: Regularly check for early signs of trouble, such as new cracks in interior walls or exterior foundation, doors/windows that stick, or visible gaps.
    * Inspect the Landscape: Look for surface roots heading toward the house or areas of soil heaving near the foundation.

    What to Do If You Suspect Existing Damage

    If you notice signs of potential root intrusion or foundation movement:

  • 1. Consult Professionals::

    • Contact a licensed arborist to assess the tree’s health and root activity, and a structural engineer or foundation repair specialist to evaluate the damage.

  • 2. Avoid Drastic Action::

    • Do not immediately cut large roots or remove the tree without expert advice. Sudden removal can cause the saturated soil to swell (a phenomenon called “heave”), leading to further upward movement of the foundation.

  • 3. Explore Managed Solutions::

    • Professionals may recommend root pruning (done correctly to avoid killing the tree), installing a barrier retroactively, or using chemical growth inhibitors in specific cases.

    Conclusion

    Preventing tree root damage to your foundation is a balance between enjoying the benefits of mature trees and protecting your most valuable asset—your home. By choosing the right trees, planting them at a safe distance, employing root barriers, and managing soil moisture, you can mitigate risks effectively. Regular vigilance and seeking professional advice at the first sign of trouble are the final, crucial steps in a comprehensive prevention strategy. With careful planning and maintenance, you can foster a beautiful, safe, and stable landscape for years to come.

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    Spy Cameras And Home Protection

    September 15, 2021   Matt

    Spy Cameras And Home Protection

    With crime on the rise, technology has lead to a decrease in home security prices. Although many devices have dropped in prices over the years, the spy camera is one of the most popular to experience a decrease in price. What was once only dreamed about in movies such as James Bond is now a reality that is very affordable.

    The spy cameras of today are included with pin cameras, pens, and even cameras that are hidden in a pair of sunglasses. Most kits cost a few hundred bucks and will come with sensors and remote Internet access – complete with alarms. This way, you’ll have the chance to hook up your house wide cameras to your main cable system and watch the spy camera from any screen in your house. To watch the video though, you’ll need to have your television set to a specific channel.

    Along with spy cameras there is also a variety of other devices that you can use to protect your home and yourself such as motion sensors, alarms, trip wires, spy cameras, surveillance cameras, finger print locks, digital locks, and many more. Almost everything is available at an affordable price, unless you choose to have professional installation. Professional installation will cost a lot more money, possibly even thousands of dollars if you have a big house.

    If you aren’t familiar with the way spy cameras and other spy related security works, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional. A professional can show you how to work the equipment and answer any questions that you may have. Even though it will cost you a lot more than if you were to do it yourself, it would be a lot better than messing something up. Spy cameras and equipment can be very tricky – especially if you have no experience with home security.

    The pin and sunglasses spy camera is among the most popular. These cameras may require professional installation, as you’ll need to hook the wireless panel up to a monitor or your computer. Depending on the type of spy camera that you are using, hooking everything up can be anywhere from novice to professional level. Sunglasses can be great to use at home or anywhere else you travel within distance, as the camera is completely undetectable to those who are standing within your field of vision.

    For protection around the home or anywhere else you travel, a spy camera can be a great investment. These cameras are becoming more and more popular these days due to the drop in price. Although they were very expensive when they were first introduced, those times have changed. You can get a spy camera now for just a few hundreds bucks – making it an investment you can never go wrong with.

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    Data Protection And Recycling Computer Hardware

    January 22, 2021   Matt

    Information Security As Well As Recycling Computer

    We have actually been running on the internet computer resale, repair service and recycling business for a number of years as well as throughout the whole duration, one of the most crucial (and I can’t emphasize this enough) part of the procedure has actually been the defense of individual as well as company information/ information. This can not be emphasized enough. Everything from replying to emails to surfing the internet and reusing/ dealing with your computer system exposes you to scams and identification theft.

    One of the most overlooked part of a computer system’s life is that of it’s disposal and also the defense of the data on it’s difficult drive. Avoiding or binning your computer without very first thinking of the safety of your individual details is merely insane. It’s like tossing your charge card in the garbage container without initial sufficing up.

    Using a professional recycling service isn’t constantly the most effective option. In a similar way, the neighborhood municipal recycling center will certainly not be the most effective area to just take your old computer system. You require to deal with the disk drive or eliminate it initially. Professional services will certainly guarantee your old computer system does not wind up in garbage dump, however they typically don’t ensure that your data will certainly be removed. If your made use of computer system winds up on the Cream color shore, it’s data will probably be accessed and also your individual details swiped. Paying for reusing does provide you some surety in that there’s a kind of contract in position and cash have actually changed hands for a service, however always examine first to ensure that data devastation is included as part of the contract- and also constantly demand a certification to claim that the hard disk drive has been wiped or damaged.

    Cleaning your very own information is the most effective option and also software like dBan offers the most effective as well as most safe way of doing this. The various other option open to you is to get rid of the disk drive and also take a sledge hammer to it. For corporates, computer system recycling generally costs money and if it doesn’t, the service most certainly entails resale for export, where info might be accessed on other continents- well outside the shores of your moms and dad nation as well as the regulations that protect a company’s legal rights. Remember, if in uncertainty, ask. Look for a degree of expertise and also a solution from your selected reusing company created to guarantee customer retention.

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    Is Your Home Protection System Protecting You

    May 03, 2020   Matt

    Is Your Residence Safety And Security System Protecting You

    Residence Safety Equipments

    Checking your home safety and security system has actually never ever been simpler yet there are numerous points you require to think about prior to dedicating yourself to a long-term surveillance contract with any alarm firm.

    Alarm companies don’t make the bulk of their benefit from marketing protection systems; it comes from collecting a big base of alarm-monitoring contracts. If truth, these checking contracts are so lucrative that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes.

    Pointer # 1.
    Ask if they are an accredited alarm supplier or stand for a marketing firm.
    Advertising business have actually learned to flooding a market with wonderful offers on security systems with the single purpose of marketing the agreements at a revenue. They typically make use of any sub-contractor offered, which can bring about inadequate client service once the advertising and marketing business leaves community.

    As soon as you discover a trustworthy alarm firm, inquire to come out to your home and also offer you a quote. You’ll discover that most will quote you a fundamental security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems normally include a control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard indication and advising decals.

    Pointer # 2.
    See to it the equipment can be monitored by any alarm business, not by simply the one marketing it to you. If they use exclusive safety and security equipment, you might be left in a bind needs to you come to be disgruntled with their solution for any type of reason. Ademco, DSC, & Caddx are well known producers and also can be checked by any type of one.

    Some companies provide a reduced installation fee of.00 or will give you a “FREE” protection system. Several do so if you put a security check in your lawn for advertising and marketing functions and commit to a long-lasting alarm-monitoring agreement.

    Because the installation cost does not cover the true expense of the equipment as well as labor, you are billed a significant monthly cost to redeem their financial investment. These “deals” or devices leases aren’t necessarily negative yet make it tough to review truth cost to you with time.

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    Residence Protection Equipments – An insiders overview to saving you cash

    February 18, 2020   Matt

    House Protection Solutions – An experts guide to conserving you cash

    Checking your residence protection system has actually never ever been much easier however there are a number of things you require to consider prior to dedicating yourself to a long-term tracking agreement with any alarm system firm

    Alarm companies don’t make the bulk of their revenue from marketing security systems, it comes from accumulating a huge base of alarm-monitoring agreements. As a matter of fact these checking agreements are so rewarding that they are often dealt like mortgage notes.

    Idea # 1 Ask if they are an authorized alarm system dealership or a stand for an advertising business.
    Marketing firms have found out to flooding a market with fantastic deals on security systems with the single function of marketing the contracts at an earnings. They typically make use of any kind of sub-contractor available, which can cause bad customer service once the advertising and marketing firm defaults.

    When you locate a reputable alarm company inquire to come out to your residence as well as offer you a quote. You’ll discover that most will quote you a standard safety system at an affordable price. These fundamental safety and security systems generally include a control panel, keypad, movement detector, a pair of door contacts, inside siren, a backyard sign and warning stickers

    Tip # 2 Ensure the equipment can be checked by any alarm system business not by just the one offering it to you. If they utilize proprietary safety and security devices you can be left
    in a bind must you come to be discontented with their solution for any type of reason. Ademco, DSC, & Caddx are well recognized manufacturers as well as can be monitored by any one.

    Some companies use reduced a low installment cost of.00 or will certainly provide you a “FREE” safety and security system. Many do so if you put a safety and security check in your backyard for advertising and marketing objectives and devote to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.

    Considering that the installation fee does not cover truth expense of the equipment and also labor, you are billed a significant regular monthly fee to recover their financial investment. These “deals” or devices leases aren’t always negative yet make it difficult to review truth price to you with time.

    The most effective method to evaluate your contract is to ask the sales person to give you a quote to acquire the security system straight-out and also reveal the residence alarm-monitoring fee individually. A lot of the time you are much better off purchasing the security system because your tracking charge will be much less.

    For example. State for your surveillance charge is per month for 3 years
    you total expense for checking your house alarm system is 59.00 Your charge
    will certainly remain per month and even raise.

    On the other hand say you pay 9.00 installation and dollars a month your complete expense is 19. Not only is your general price much less yet from year 3 on your will be conserving 0 annually. This cost savings would be much better invested in updating your alarm to include fire monitoring and also included border protection

    Idea # 3 Do not pay additional charges for clinical or fire tracking.
    It’s alright to pay for the tools needed but some firms bill – extra for these solutions. These options are easily configured into the alarm system and also don’t need any extra effort to keep track of.

    Is A Fundamental Security System For You?

    The response is probably not. Fundamental systems just cover your doors and are supplemented by the use an activity detector. This detector is typically placed in the major corridor to capture a robber going across the center of the residence. If they come through a room home window and also never pass by the motion detector, the security system will never ever seem. Imagine being residence at the time this occurs. Basic safety systems are best made use of as a deterrent to a break in and to notify the authorities an alarm condition exist.

    Including boundary protection such as home window get in touches with or glass break detectors need to be high up on the checklist of upgrades. These sorts of upgrades not only trigger the alarm system promptly but also will offer you piece of mind while you are house.

    Secure Your Financial Rate Of Interest Not Just Your Home

    Obtain all quotes in creating as well as make certain the quote is a binding quote.
    At a minimum the adhering to must be consisted of in your agreement.

    Size of contract as well as if/ how it renews. Does it restore immediately?
    What type of notification do you need to offer to end the surveillance arrangement

    Will your cost rise as well as exists a limitation on the boost. If whatsoever possible secure your surveillance fee for the entire agreement or else you can see an increase annually.
    Don’t be scared to leave on this point alone.

    Do you possess the equipment or is it a lease? A lease means reduced first setup cost but high tracking charges.

    Warranty:
    The majority of the alarm tools includes it’s own warranty in enhancement to what is supplied by your business. Define the service warranty for each and every product so that you aren’t billed if it falls short.
    Additionally define the length of time the service warranty on labor is. Expect to pay some labor cost for changing under guarantee products

    Solution Calls
    Alarm system specialists are generally well educated to identify and also deal with problems with your safety and security system. Be prepared to pay in the community of per hour. The cost can appear high when compared to your initial setup price yet is not wrong. Think regarding how much you pay for your automobile or computer system to be serviced.

    The length of time is the action time to service your alarm system.
    2 days is a practical time.

    Do they offer an installment certification for your homeowner’s insurance
    Lots of insurer provide a discount for monitored home safety systems.

    Do not Wait Up Until You Have A Break-In To Get An Alarm System System!

    You can replace most things but you may never change your complacency in your very own house.

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