Water is one of the biggest drivers of foundation movement in Northern California. Keeping moisture away from the foundation reduces soil expansion and settlement risk through wet winters and irrigation season.
Start with the basics: gutters and downspouts should be clean and discharge water at least several feet from the foundation. Extend downspouts if needed. Grade the soil so it slopes away from the house—about six inches of fall over the first ten feet is a common target.
Avoid planting water-loving vegetation against foundation walls. Drip irrigation is preferable to spray that soaks the soil next to the home. Check that hardscapes (patios, walkways) direct water away rather than toward the structure. In crawl spaces, address standing water and consider encapsulation if humidity stays high.
If you already have foundation cracks or settlement, drainage improvements alone may not reverse damage, but they help protect repairs and limit future movement. Combine good drainage with a professional foundation evaluation when signs of trouble appear.
See our Foundation Repair, Crawl Space Repair, and FAQ pages. Weather and flood-related guidance is available from FEMA.