6 Ways to Protect Your Foundation Before Storm Season Hits in Oklahoma

As Oklahoma heads into spring, we’re no strangers to sudden downpours, unpredictable storms, and the kind of weather that can go from dry to drenched in a matter of hours. While we’re used to watching the skies, one area that often gets overlooked is what’s happening beneath our feet—specifically, around your home’s foundation.

When spring rains hit, saturated soil and poor drainage can put serious pressure on your foundation. But here’s the good news: there are several easy steps you can take right now to prevent costly damage before it starts.

At Vesta Foundation Solutions, we believe in being proactive—not reactive—when it comes to protecting your home. Here are six practical ways to prepare your property for the wet season ahead.

1. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters or disconnected downspouts are some of the most common causes of water pooling around a home’s foundation. When rainwater can’t properly drain away from your home, it often finds the path of least resistance—straight down into the soil surrounding your foundation.

What to do:

• Clean out leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters.
  
  

• Make sure downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from the home.
  
  

• Consider adding extensions or splash blocks to redirect water further out.
  
  

2. Inspect Your Grading

Your yard’s slope—or grading—plays a major role in how water moves after a storm. If the soil around your home slopes toward the foundation, it encourages water to collect near the base of your home and seep into the soil.

What to look for:

• The ground should slope away from your foundation at a minimum of 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
  
  

• Look for low spots or sunken areas near your foundation where water might pool.
  
  

How to fix it:

• Fill in low areas with soil and regrade the slope if necessary.
  
  

• Use landscaping or hardscaping to help guide water away from the home.
  
  

3. Look for Pooling Water After Rain

After a spring rainstorm, walk around your property and look for any areas where water is collecting. Pooling water is a red flag for poor drainage and potential foundation trouble down the road.

Areas to check:

• Near downspouts
  
  

• Around patios, walkways, or driveways
  
  

• In garden beds adjacent to your home
  
  

If water isn’t draining within a few hours, you may need to improve drainage in that area.

4. Maintain or Install a Drainage System

French drains, surface drains, or other yard drainage systems can be a great investment for Oklahoma homes—especially in areas with clay soil or poor natural runoff. These systems help redirect water away from your foundation before it has a chance to soak in.

If you already have a drainage system in place, make sure it’s clear of debris and functioning properly before heavy spring rains begin.

5. Seal Minor Foundation Cracks

Even small cracks in your foundation or basement walls can allow water to seep in. While not all cracks are a cause for concern, spring is a good time to take a close look and make minor repairs if needed.

What to do:

• Inspect interior and exterior foundation walls for cracks.
  
  

• Use a concrete patch or sealant for minor surface cracks.
  
  

• Contact a professional if cracks are widening, horizontal, or leaking.
  
  

6. Schedule a Professional Foundation Inspection

Spring is one of the best times of year to get ahead of potential foundation problems. A professional inspection can identify early warning signs, spot drainage issues, and recommend simple solutions to prevent costly repairs in the future.

At Vesta Foundation Solutions, we offer comprehensive foundation evaluations tailored to your home and soil conditions. Whether it’s uneven settling, poor grading, or early signs of water intrusion, we’re here to help you stay protected all season long.

Ready for the Rain?

Oklahoma’s spring weather may be unpredictable, but your foundation doesn’t have to be. With just a few preventative steps, you can make sure your home is ready to handle whatever the season brings.

Not sure where to start?
Let our team take a look. Schedule your free foundation inspection today and get expert advice before the next storm rolls in.