Root Barriers Can Protect Your Home By Preventing Structural Damage

Trees around homes might seem appealing from the point of natural beauty. But if there are large trees very close to homes, it can have damaging effects on the foundation.  The roots of large trees spread wide across the ground running very close to the foundation and hitting it while exerting tremendous pressure that can damage the foundation. A damaged foundation can lead to costly repair because it involves deep digging that would necessitate restoring the plumbing systems and pavements as well as some parts of the building.  If you have trees close to your home, you must protect the foundation by consulting the experts at https://www.foundationrecoverysystems.com who might suggest the use of root barriers.

Roots barriers create a defense system around the building and prevent tree roots from encroaching into the foundation. These are effective in minimizing structural damage from encroaching roots. Using root barriers is an established method of foundation and building protection. Many types of root barriers are available in the market that varies in design, depth, and thickness.

Chemical inhibitors

The purpose of root barriers is to prevent roots from advancing towards the building for which chemical inhibitors can work well in many cases.  By using some chemical growth agents, it is possible to restrict the growth of roots.  Experts recommend the use of a geotextile fabric that contains trifluralin together with 3.5 oz of cupric carbonate and a quart of acrylic paint. The chemical remains active for some specified time after which it starts degrading depending on the soil temperature and moisture content.  Depending on how long the chemical lasts, you must repeat the process again and again.

Deflector barriers

Metal and wood are the chosen materials for manufacturing root deflectors. Acting like baffles, the deflectors either block the roots from progressing towards the building or redirect it to prevent it from growing in a particular area. The barriers are effective in blocking shallow and small roots. To block more aggressive roots, you must install thicker barriers more and 2 to 3 inches, which are easy to install. Leaving a gap of at least 8 inches between the bottom of the barrier and the top of the ground is essential to ensure a proper drainage system.  It helps to protect the roots from fungal diseases.

Root traps or screens

Root traps or screens are made out of welded fiber sheets, screens, and woven fabrics. The traps or screens must have enough strength to strangle or girdle the roots as it keeps growing. These should be large enough so that the roots can find space to grow through it. Copper screens having 1/16 inch openings and nylon fabrics having 1/26 inch openings are the most preferred materials for making root screens or traps.

Studies conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of root barriers have shown that the barriers compel roots to grow back to the surface of the soil. It is natural because roots need oxygen to survive while at the same time, it ensures that the building and the foundation remain protected.