Minor Repairs That Prevent Major Issues in Acadiana Homes | Living in the 337 with Alyson Finch REALTOR®

🌿 Welcome to Home Care, Cajun Style

Owning a home in Acadiana is a joy, but our Louisiana weather and soil sure like to keep things interesting. From heavy rain and thick humidity to soft, shifting ground, even the smallest issues can turn into big ones if left unchecked.

I’m Alyson Finch, REALTOR® with District South by Real Broker, and after years of helping families buy, sell, and maintain homes across the 337, I’ve learned that prevention is everything. With just a few small repairs and regular checkups, you can protect your biggest investment and keep your home in top shape, no stress, no surprises, and no swampy headaches.

💧 Tackle Humidity Before It Takes Hold

Louisiana’s air is famous for its “extra spice,” and while we love it outside, that same humidity can quietly cause damage inside your home.

✅ What to Check

• Inspect your HVAC system and replace filters regularly. A clean system helps control indoor moisture.
  
  
• Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans during showers and cooking.
  
  
• Look for condensation on windows and vents — it’s a sign your humidity levels are too high.
  
  
• Use a dehumidifier in problem areas like laundry rooms or basements.

💁🏼‍♀️Alyson’s Tip: Aim for indoor humidity between 40–50%. It keeps your wood floors, furniture, and sanity intact.

🐜 Prevent Termites Before They Feast

Termites love Louisiana almost as much as we do. Our warm climate and damp soil make Acadiana homes a perfect target if left untreated.

✅ What to Do

• Schedule a yearly termite inspection from a licensed local company.
  
  
• Keep mulch, firewood, and debris away from your foundation — termites love dark, damp hiding spots.
  
  
• Seal small cracks and entry points where pipes and cables meet your home.
  
  
• Check for mud tubes along baseboards and exterior walls — a telltale sign of activity.
  
  

💁🏼‍♀️Alyson’s Tip: Most termite treatments last about five years. Mark your calendar so you never miss a renewal.

🏠 Protect Your Foundation from Swampy Soils (and Those Mighty Acadiana Oaks)

Acadiana’s charm comes from its bayous, moss-draped trees, and soft, rich soil, but that same beauty can quietly challenge your home’s foundation. The ground here naturally expands and contracts with moisture, especially after heavy rains. Over time, that movement can cause cracks, uneven floors, and shifting slabs if left unchecked.

🌧 What to Watch

After a rainstorm, take a slow walk around your home.  If puddles linger near your foundation for more than a day or two, the soil isn’t draining properly. It’s time to regrade your yard or add gutters and downspout extensions to move water several feet away from the house.

Inside, keep an eye out for small cracks in drywall, sticking doors, or slanted floors, early warning signs that the soil is moving beneath your foundation.

🌿 The Role of Trees — Especially Our Beloved Oaks

Acadiana is famous for its majestic live oaks, with their sweeping limbs and Spanish-moss canopies. These trees are treasures, but they’re also powerful water-seekers. Their roots can stretch well beyond the drip line, sometimes up to three times the canopy’s width in search of moisture.

That’s why it’s important to strike a balance between tree beauty and foundation health:

• Keep large trees at least 15–20 feet away from your foundation when possible.
  
  
• Install root barriers if a beloved oak sits closer than that. This prevents roots from drawing uneven moisture around your slab.
  
  
• Water trees consistently during dry spells. When the soil suddenly dries out, roots pull more aggressively toward your foundation, increasing the risk of cracks.
  
  
• Trim branches to reduce storm damage; a heavy oak limb can change drainage patterns if it falls near your home.
  
  

Oaks help stabilize the soil over the long term by preventing erosion, but too much shade or root intrusion can also impact grading and moisture balance. Think of them as partners in your landscape, strong, but needing thoughtful care.

🌼 Landscaping Tips That Protect Your Home

• Keep flowerbeds and mulch below your foundation line.
• Choose native plants with moderate water needs: azaleas, camellias, and yaupon holly thrive here without over-saturating the soil.
• Use crushed stone or gravel in problem areas to encourage drainage.
• Make sure the land slopes gently away from the home on all sides.
  
  

💁🏼‍♀️ Alyson’s Tip

Foundation issues rarely appear overnight; they creep up quietly. A few minutes of attention each season, especially after big storms, can save you thousands of dollars (and a whole lot of stress).

And if you’ve got one of those gorgeous Acadiana oaks nearby? Love it, protect it, and plan around it. After all, those trees are part of what makes our homes and our neighborhoods so deeply rooted in Cajun Country charm. 🌳

🔧 Quick Repair Checklist for Every Acadiana Home

Here’s a simple seasonal checklist that keeps your home healthy and happy year-round.

🍂 Fall and Winter

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Check for roof leaks after storms
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Caulk windows and doors to keep moisture out
  
  

🌸 Spring and Summer

• Pressure wash siding and decks
• Inspect for termite swarms
• Trim back shrubs and trees near your home
• Check A/C drains and attic vents for mold or mildew

📝 Pro Tip: Keep a small “home repair fund” for quick fixes. Spending a few dollars now saves you major repairs later.

🏠 Why These Little Fixes Matter

Every homeowner in Acadiana knows our environment is unique, humid, beautiful, and full of personality. Taking a little time each season to give your home some love not only prevents costly surprises but also helps it stay strong for years to come.

Plus, when it’s time to sell, homes that have been well-maintained always shine brighter and sell faster.

💛 Think of it as protecting your investment, Cajun-style.

Alyson Finch, REALTOR®
District South by Real Broker, LLC
📞 337.280.9651 | 📧 alyson@livinginthe337.com
🌐 www.livinginthe337.com
💛 Helping you find and care for your home in the 337