Trees and clay
A mature oak can pull a remarkable amount of water out of the ground in a dry summer. Clay near its roots shrinks, and a foundation corner close to the tree drops a little more each dry season. Removing the tree is rarely the answer. Watering the soil steadily in drought, root barriers in some cases, and piers where the settlement is real are the usual tools.
Questions Webster Groves owners ask
Can a stone foundation be waterproofed? Yes, usually with an interior drain and repointing rather than products sprayed on the stone.
Will piers damage the historic look? Piers go in below grade beside the footing. Once backfilled, nothing shows outside.
Do we need city approval? Structural work needs a permit from the city. Homes in a historic district may have extra rules for anything visible; foundation work usually is not.
Creeks and low spots
Parts of town drain toward Deer Creek and its branches, and low lots there take more water after big storms. Basements on those streets get extra attention to sump pumps and backups.
Booking an inspection in Webster Groves
The visit is free and takes about an hour. You get a written plan, and the price of anything we recommend, before you decide.
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